An alliance of leftist parties has demanded the election be held under a neutral polls-time government.
Speaking to reporters after a dialogue at Ganabhaban last night, President of Communist Party of Bangladesh Mujahidul Islam Selim said: “The ball is still in the prime minister’s court. The electoral environment will depend on her decision (over the dialogues).”
The demands raised by the alliance include resignation of the government before the election, strict measures to avert polls-time violence, a neutral polls-time government, reformation of the Election Commission, an end to harassment of political activists through false cases, and release of the those jailed in politically-motivated cases.
“The people of Bangladesh do not want the anti-Liberation War forces, and war criminals who have been tried and convicted to come to power again, and neither do we,” the prime minister said during the dialogue with the Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) at her official residence Ganabhaban.
The talks started around 7:30pm, as per the schedule. Led by LDA Coordinator Saiful Huq, a 16-member delegation of the eight-party alliance joined the talks with Awami League-led 14-party alliance.
Those upholding the spirit of independence of Bangladesh will not expect the war criminals to come to power as well, the premier said. “If the democratic atmosphere continues, the development that we did will keep its pace.”
At the dialogue, Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) Coordinator Saiful Haque said: “We will expect the government to create a congenial environment for a free, fair, acceptable and participatory election.”
The other delegation members include the Ganatantrik Biplobi Party President Mushrefa Mishu, Ganosamhati Andolon Convener Zonayed Saki, United Communist League of Bangladesh General Secretary Mosharraf Hossain Nannu, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Anodolon Convener Hamidul Haque, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal General Secretary Khalekuzzaman, and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) central member Shuvrangshu Chakrabarty. The eight-party leftist alliance was formed on July 19 this year, ahead of the upcoming general election.
Saiful said the premier will brief the media at about the outcome of the dialogues at12:30pm tomorrow.
The prime minister’s comments will affect the demands and future political programs of the leftist alliance, he added.
Earlier in the day, 52 leaders of 12 Islamist parties sat with Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, and leaders of the ruling alliance at the same venue. Later, Awami League General Secretary Obdaidul Quader said the Islamist parties at the meeting extended their support to Sheikh Hasina so she could return to power.
The prime minister recently held pre-election talks with political parties aiming to resolve the ongoing political 1crisis and ensure a peaceful election.
