No possibility of one-sided election: Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said the government does not want to hold a lopsided election as their Prime Minister is against scoring a goal in an empty field.

"We'll try so that the level-playing field is not affected in any way. We don't want to contest the election by creating an uneven condition," said Quader while briefing reporters at the Awami League President's Dhanmondi office.

He also said, "We must be with people. I've the responsibility [to ensure that] from an important position of the party."

Quader said they want to hold a credible election and no situation will be created this time as happened during the last election because of boycott by BNP. "We do not want the election atmosphere to be hampered in any way," he insisted.

WHEN IS THE ELECTION?

Election Commission has revised polls schedule, deferring the 11th general election by a week to December 30 – a decision taken on November 12.

The authorities have fixed November 28 as the deadline for filing nomination papers, December 2 for scrutiny and December 9 last date of withdrawal.

The move came following demands from several opposition political parties.

IS EVERYONE PARTICIPATING?

Chief Election Commissioner has said that there is a congenial atmosphere in the country – echoing the words of the ruling party.

However, major opposition alliances like the Jatiya Oikyafront, which includes BNP, and the Bikalpa Dhara-led Juktafront have sought for delaying the schedule.

Until thus far, it seems that the coming parliamentary election will not be the “non-participatory election” that was its predecessor.

All the major political parties are gearing up to contest in the election and there has been no threats of a boycott or withdrawal unlike the last time.