Jatiya Party's Chief Patron and Opposition Leader of the parliament Raushan Ershad has requested President Mohammad Shahabuddin to take steps to hold a dialogue with all political parties regarding their participation in the upcoming 12th national parliamentary polls.
She paid a courtesy call to President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday.
In the one-and-a-half-hour discussion with the president, she proposed to change the schedule and for discussion with the political parties for the sake of participation of all parties in the polls.
Raushan Ershad led a Jatiya Party delegation to Bangabhaban. The delegation entered the Bangabhaban at around 12 noon.
Raushan's son and JP MP Saad Ershad, Opposition Chief Whip Moshiur Rahman Ranga, JP MP Rowshan Ara Mamnan, and Kazi Mamunur Rashid, spokesperson of the opposition leader are part of the delegation.
Ranga told the media that this is the first meeting with the president after his returning to the country following his medical treatment abroad. The opposition party leaders have inquired about his physical condition as well.
He said: "Due to the constitutional obligation, the election must be held at the stipulated time. Party leaders requested the president to discuss with everyone to make the election participatory and in a festive manner.”
Besides, as the last day for submission of income tax return is the last day for submission of nomination papers, they also requested whether the schedule can be changed by discussing with the Election Commission.
Ranga mentioned that the president will have discussions with the prime minister regarding talks with all political parties.
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday announced the schedule for the 12th parliamentary elections, with the polls set to be held on January 7.
