Leaders of Ganotantri Party and Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan on Monday met President M Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban separately to present their views and proposals on the formation of a new Election Commission for holding the 12th parliamentary polls.
The seven-member delegation of Ganotantri Party was led by its President Barrister Arash Ali, while Maulana Atullah Hafezi, chairman of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, led his party's seven-member team in the talks held at the Durbar Hall of the president's official residence, according to Jaynal Abedin, press secretary to the president.
Ganotantri Party proposed that a constitutional council be set up to form the EC. The council should comprise the prime minister, leader of the opposition in parliament, speaker, chief justice and attorney general.
The party also urged the president to take actions against those who are likely to use religion, muscle power and illegal money during the elections.
It said that the EC should be held accountable for their activities during the election and post-election period.
The party also called for banning all anti-liberation parties and individuals in the country.
During the meeting with the president, Khelafat Andolon submitted a six-point proposal.
It proposed the establishment of a permanent, neutral, skilled and capable Election Commission in the interest of democracy.
The party suggested that experienced individuals be included in the next EC.
It proposed to put a bar on anti-religion persons, owners of black money and loan defaulters and their family members from taking part in politics.
During the talks, the president called upon all political parties to show respect to others' opinion so democracy flourishes in the country.
He said: "It is very important to gain the trust and belief of the people in politics. All political parties should give the utmost priority to the welfare of the people."
President Hamid opened the dialogue on formation of the next EC on December 20. The current EC is scheduled to end its five-year term in February next.
So far, 12 of 23 political parties who were invited in phases joined the talks.
The country has now 39 registered political parties, according to the EC website and only nine of them have representation in Parliament.
The nine parties are Bangladesh Awami League, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Gano Forum, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Jatiya Party-JP.