Inclusive polls not possible without BNP: Moudud

BNP Standing Committee Member Moudud Ahmed today said that his party will forge an all-party national unity, forcing the ruling quarter to reach an understanding for holding a participatory general election.

“An inclusive election is not possible without BNP’s participation. So, the government must reach a compromise with us,” Moudud said while addressing a programme at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka this noon.

He said his party will ensure fall of the ruling Awami League through waging a mass upsurge if it does not reach a peaceful negotiation for holding of the next general election in an inclusive manner.

Moudud also claimed that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s release from jail will pave the way for holding participatory polls.

Bangladesh National Human Rights Parishad organised the programme on people's voting and human rights.

Moudud, also a former law minister, said, “We'll have to create a national unity to face the challenges for restoration of democracy and bringing back people's peace in the country.”  

Terming the all-party national unity as imperative in the present context, Moudud said appropriate programmes will be given at the right time to ensure fall of the government.

“There is no alternative to forging a national unity. We’ll give proper programmes at a suitable time to topple the autocratic regime,” he warned.

Citing irregularities during the elections to Khulna and Gazipur city corporations, Moudud came down heavily on the Election Commission (EC) for its “subservient role” and said the commission's real face has been unmasked through the elections.

Describing the current EC as shameless and incapable of holding the next general election in a free and fair manner, the BNP leader once again demanded reconstitution of the commission.