AL’s proposals ‘neutral’

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda termed the 11-point proposal submitted by the ruling Awami League for holding a free and fair election “neutral”, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said.

Emerging from a two-and-half-hour meeting with the election commissioners, Obaidul, also Roads, Transports and Bridges minister, said this while briefing reporters at the EC office.

Asked whether Obaidul inquired the EC about the CEC’s comment on General Ziaur Rahman, the AL general secretary said, “We asked and got our answer. But don’t want to say anything in this regard”. 

11-Point Proposal by Awami League by Daily Star on Scribd

The AL leaders also proposed not to allow any private or NGO official to get appointed as presiding officer during the elections expected to be held in late 2018.

Earlier around 11:00 am, a 22-member AL delegation led by Obaidul sat with the CEC to hold dialogue over the next general election.

In his introductory speech, the CEC said, “Awami League has taken the country on a road-map towards development and each sector has seen development. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country has become a middle-income country”.

“The Election Commission is enjoying more freedom compared to other countries in the world and that has happened during Awami League’s tenure,” Huda added.

During its dialogue with the EC, the ruling Awami League placed an 11-point proposal, including following the constitutional provision under which the incumbent prime minister would remain the head of the polls-time government.

The CEC also talked about the Bangladesh Liberation War, the Language Movement of 1952 and about the contribution of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

KM Nurul Huda also hailed Sheikh Hasina for coming back in 1981 and taking the helm of the party.