Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur has vowed to participate in the upcoming National Parliament elections only after bringing down the incumbent government and restructuring the Election Commission (EC).
He made this statement during a press conference after EC rejected his party's registration application.
On Sunday, the party's registration application was rejected during a commission meeting at the election building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Later, Nur met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal and addressed the press.
Nur said: "All our activities fully comply with the constitution. The inquiry committee has recognized our eligibility for registration. Despite the positive evaluation, the EC rejected our registration based on advice from the government and agencies. While it may be preferable not to register at this time, we remain dedicated to obtaining registration before the next election by overthrowing the current government and reorganizing the EC.”
Nur added: "I am personally here with an updated letter on our organizational matters. Considering potential external influences on field-level officials (EC), we decided to submit our activities in writing with supporting documents as the registration process nears completion."
Nur further said: "After a significant period of time, we had a meeting with the EC and spoke with the CEC. His speech revealed a sense of helplessness. Even if he personally desires to do good, the current environment hinders him from doing so. We have understood his words and observed his actions."
Nur raised concerns about the recent approval of two parties for registration in the upcoming election.
He questioned their field activities and headquarters, suggesting conducting a Google search for news coverage. He also speculated on the influence behind their registration, indicating that the government registered these two parties to expand the coalition to include 20 parties in the future, surpassing the influence of the BNP.
Consequently, the EC provisionally approved these parties based on advice from agencies, he added.
He further added: "EC's subservience to the government is exposed, reducing it to a mere servant of the ruling party. We firmly believe that fair elections are impossible under such a weak-willed commission, which is why opposition parties are protesting with unilateral demands.
"Our focus is clear. We reject wasting time on registration and elections. Our current movement aims for change, including the government's resignation, the establishment of a neutral government during elections, and the restructuring of the EC," he continued.
He declared: "Today, I challenge those involved in backdoor dealings. The upcoming national elections will not take place under your influence. The EC will be restructured, a new government will be formed, and you will face the consequences of your shady dealings. People will scorn you on the streets."
He revealed that during the Gazipur city elections, a senior intelligence agency official approached them for negotiations. Awami League leaders requested a meeting and offered party registration and seats in the upcoming elections if they agreed to participate.
However, we firmly oppose supporting a government that undermines democracy, the electoral process, and the justice system. We refuse to contribute to the destruction of our country and jeopardize our nation's well-being. Our party will not participate in any elections under the current ruling party government.
Regarding the possibility of pursuing legal action for registration, he remarked, "Justice cannot be found in this government-controlled kangaroo court where injustice prevails. Instead, we will mobilize a street movement, overthrow the current government, and reorganize the EC to fulfill the people's demands and secure our party's registration."