Some policymakers of the ruling Awami League and the government have discussed the possible date for the next parliamentary election and decided it was better to hold the polls between January 1 and 10. However, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prefers it to be on January 7.
Hasina discussed the issue at an informal meeting with a number of senior leaders of the ruling party and her cabinet colleagues early September, two senior members of the party told the Dhaka Tribune.
Besides this, sources confirmed that the present cabinet would continue their jobs until the Election Commission declares schedule for the polls.
A ruling Awami League leader, also a minister and an MP from Mymensingh region, while talking to some reporters at his office, conveyed the premier’s desire. He claimed that the Hasina told him about holding the polls on January 7.
According to the constitutional provisions, the next parliamentary polls must be held within 90 days before the expiration of the parliament.
Since the ninth parliament expires on January 24, article 123 of the constitution requires holding the polls between October 27 and January 24 given that the parliament is dissolved before its term expires.
A presidium member of the ruling party echoed the minister’s comments saying that the party chief had discussed the issue with them two weeks before she went to USA to attend UN General Assembly.
The presidium member from Faridpur region also said the party chief had told them that polls must be held within January 10. The leader also confirmed the Dhaka Tribune that Hasina expressed her desire that the election be held on January 7.
Meanwhile, sources in the government said after October 24, the incumbent cabinet would hold regular meetings and its members discharge their duties until the EC declares schedule.
The minister also hinted that after the EC declares the schedule, the incumbent government would turn into interim government, but the size of the cabinet might be shorten.
On Thursday, ruling Awami League Presidium member Mohammad Nasim at a discussion said the size of the interim government would be 16.
He said the prime minister would lead the 16-member cabinet and the EC would conduct the election process.
Targeting the election, the ruling party has been working in full swing since September 1 when the formal electioneering began with countrywide tour programmes.
It is also scrutinising probable candidates and working on finalising the election manifesto. The party president began holding meetings with the grassroots leaders to gather opinion on the candidacy and campaigns on September 4. It would continue until October 12.
On the other hand, main opposition BNP has already cleared its stance that they would not participate in any election under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. It demands a non-partisan interim government to oversee the polls.