“We would like to tell the government you please come to the straight path and release our leader Khaleda Zia, hold talks with her and all other opposition parties to find out a way for holding a fair election,” he said.
The BNP leader came up with the call while speaking at a discussion arranged by Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (Jagpa) at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) demanding BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s release from jail, and annulment of the Digital Security Act.
He said there is no alternative to engaging in talks for ensuring people’s welfare and peace and building a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh.
Or else, the BNP leader warned, the government will have to shoulder all the responsibilities for the emerging situation.
Fakhrul said the country’s people have got united as they want a change in power through a credible election. “The next election must be held in a neutral manner with the participation of all parties. Or else, no election will be acceptable.”
He called upon all parties, including the left ones, to get united to ensure a change in power and restoration of democracy.
The BNP leader said the nation is now facing another crisis as the current Election Commission has already got divided. “The Election Commission has itself got divided. The crisis in the Commission is also the crisis of the state.”
Referring to media reports, he said, “An Election Commissioner said he presented some proposals for a fair election, but those were not considered. Another Commissioner said the proposals are unconstitutional. This remarks exposed the Commission has got divided.”
Fakhrul said the government is making various rules and regulations to hold another lopsided election like 2014 one by the Election Commission.
He said the Election Commission cannot hold a unilateral election to put a particular party in power. “If they do it, they’ll violate their oaths and the Constitution. It’ll undoubtedly be a crime of sedition.”
The BNP leader said they have long been saying that the current Election Commission has no capability to work independently as it fully depends on the government and its officials. “The way the EC secretary speaks, it seems he is the Chief Election Commissioner while the Chief Election Commissioner’s statements give an impression that he is the most hapless person.”
He said there is very little difference between Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad and CEC KM Nurul Huda as he frequently changes his stances. “How will a fair election be possible under such a Commission?”