Other political parties are also looking forward to Friday’s meeting between BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus in London. All political parties— big and small— want a solution. Leaders of various parties say that the ongoing crisis over the 'timing' of the elections will be resolved in the meeting.
The issue of 'legitimizing' the activities currently being taken by the interim government may come up for discussion. This information was obtained after talking to half a dozen political party leaders.
In this regard, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, the President of Nagorik Oikya and former VP of DUCSU, told The Bangladesh Pratidin, “Despite everything, the 'timing' of the elections has been stuck. I hope that today's meeting will basically determine what the voting time will be. We think the 'timing' needs to be discussed and settled as elections have to be held in the country. If the government has a fight with one of the main parties (BNP), how will the elections be held?”
He said, “We have already said that there is no obstacle to holding the elections by December. Now there is a tug-of-war over reforms. When will the elections be held? This government has completed 10 months-period. It wants to vote next April. However, Justice Habibur Rahman and Justice Shahabuddin gave acceptable votes within three months. That elections were the best elections. Now the biggest reform is to hold elections. I believe that all problems will be solved in a meeting with the acting chairman of BNP.”
Leaders of political parties say that Head of Government Dr. Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman are now two important personas in the country. BNP has been demanding elections in December. The government has talked about elections in the first half of April next year. BNP's top leaders are talking differently about this. That is why political party leaders believe that if there is a meeting with Tarique Rahman, no one from BNP will get the opportunity to speak differently.
In this regard, Saiful Hoq, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, told The Bangladesh Pratidin, “At this moment, as the head of government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman are important people. They will sit in a meeting. All eyes are on the meeting. The possible date of the election announced by the chief advisor in his address to the nation on the eve of Eid has been rejected by most political parties and the countrymen, including BNP.”
He said, "The distance between the political parties and the government has increased. The current government's objectives have also been questioned. Therefore, I hope that a solution will emerge after today's meeting regarding the impasse that has arisen over the parliamentary elections."
Saiful Hoq said, "I think today's meeting will focus on why BNP wants elections in December and why the government wants to postpone the elections by three months. I think the meeting is being held on behalf of the government. I hope there is a possibility of bringing the elections forward. Leaders of other political parties, apart from BNP, are saying that the ball is now in Chief Advisor Yunus' court. He must give the elections to the country. There is no point in getting involved in conflicts with political parties. Moreover, the work being done by the current government must be done by a continuous political government.”
Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince told The Bangladesh Pratidin, "The matter is clear: it’s now in the court of Chief Advisor Yunus. Most of the political parties have thought that a good election can be held by December. For this, necessary reforms and a trial of the massacre that took place during the mass uprising are also possible. The Chief Advisor's idea of holding elections in April is in no way acceptable as if you delay this much, various evil forces will take advantage. And April is not a suitable time for elections. The Chief Advisor has gone to London, and various talks are being heard about the visit. I am not thinking about it. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is in London. If the two meet, I hope Mr. Yunus will understand the matter of holding vote in December. So, Dr. Yunus will have to clarify everything.”
(Translated by Lutful Hoque)
