Claiming the December 30 election to be “farcical”, Jatiya Oikyafront Convener Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday called for a national dialogue to find out ways for holding a fresh election as per the constitution.

“We had to witness a farce in the name of an election. It won't bring any legality and stability. This can, in no way, be accepted,” said the noted jurist.

He came up with these remarks while addressing a discussion organised by the Gonoforum at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, marking the historic Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Dr Kamal, who presided over the discussion, urged all the political parties to sit for a dialogue in a bid to discuss the formation of an elected government by holding a fresh election as per the constitution.

Dr Kamal, who is also the president of the Gonoforum, said, “A sane person cannot play such a game with the country's 17 crore people. This can't be done unless a person is mentally imbalanced.”

He also questioned if there was anyone who could call the election a free and fair one.

“It's regrettable what happened in the name of election even after 48 years [of the country's independence]. It was not supposed to happen.”

The eminent jurist said the election was held on the night of December 29 instead of December 30.

 “Why did they do that? I would like ask them what is the necessity of doing such an unusual act?  Is it a game? Is it fair to play a game with the country's 17 crore people?”

Dr Kamal also said the December 30 election was a good example of political tricks. “I would like to request you, please refrain from resorting to political tricks and do everything through talks and as per the constitution. There can be no alternative to that.”

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President ASM Abdur Rob, Gonoforum Executive President Subrata Chowdhury, Gonoforum General Secretary Mostafa Mohsin Montu, Gonoforum MP-elect Mukabbir Khan, Gonoforum leader Maj Gen (retd) Amsa Amin, also spoke among others in the discussion.

There were no polling agents of main opposition parties anywhere throughout Dhaka. The Daily Star went about several constituencies in the capital, but could only find polling agents of Awami League everywhere wearing the badge of the ‘boat’.

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The Daily Star visited Kakoli High School, Dhaka City College, Teachers’ Training College, Dhaka College, University Laboratory School and College, Dhanmondi Government Boys School and College, New Model School and College voting centres.

While plenty of ‘boat’ supporters were seen displaying badges, only the centre at Dhaka City College, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cast her vote, had one or two polling agents of ‘Tiger’ and ‘hand fan’ there.

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The Daily Star visited Mohammadpur Government Primary School, Mohammadpur Girls High School, Rayerbazar Community Centre, Shyamoli Ideal Technical Institue, and Primrose Kindergarden polling stations in the constituency which is witnessing electronic voting for the first time.

There too, no opposition polling agents could be seen anywhere. However, ruling party supporters and polling agents were found roaming around aplenty.

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The Daily Star visited Ispahani School, Viquarunnisa Noon School, and Tejgaon Govt Girls High School voting centres. No polling agents other than those from the ruling Awami League could be seen there in the morning.

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The Daily Star visited five polling centres including Rashid Ideal High School, Al Quran Academy, and Bangabndhu College to find only one polling agent of the ‘sheaf of paddy’ who did not seem very convincing.

Shafiqur Rahman, who claims to have been driven out of Bangabandhu College, alleged that false BNP polling agents were filled in Shahidbagh Girls School. "I was supposed to provide polling agents there. But this morning, it was already filled."

A total of 47 opposition candidates have boycotted the election so far citing vote rigging and ballot stuffing. 

Among them, 22 Jamaat candidates, who were contesting the polls under the ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol, said they boycotted the election due to “unfair voting atmosphere”.

Law Minister Anisul Huq yesterday said Jatiya Oikyafront's demand for holding a re-election is unconstitutional and “very illogical”.

“Jatiya Oikyafront's demand is an expression of disrespect to the people,” the minister said while talking to reporters after attending a programme, organised to accord a farewell to Zafrul Hasan, outgoing director of National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO), at its Bailey Road office.

The law minister said Oikyafront has no right to dishonour the people, who have cast their votes in the December 30 general election.

Replying to a question, Anisul Huq also said, Hefajat-e-Islam Chief Ahmad Shafi's comment about girls' education is opposing to the positive development of the country.

“Last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recognised Dawra degree of Qawmi madrasa as equivalent to master's degree, which was a positive step. Allama Shafi is a senior person. With due respect to him, I want to say that his comment will be opposite to the country's positive development. It will be better if such a statement is retracted,” the law minister said.

“The government will not bring any change in running the country or its [government] policies. The Sheikh Hasina-led government is committed to upholding the rights of women. The commitment will be strengthened and the country will move forward; and it's the government's policy and belief,” he said.

Acting director of NLASO Bikash Kumar Saha presided over the function, where Law Secretary ASSM Zahirul Haque Dulal and its Joint Secretary Golam Sarwar also spoke.