The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League presidium member Tofael Ahmed Friday urged the Election Commission and the political parties to compromise over reform issues in the greater interest of the next general election.

"Rigid stands would bring no good result So, the EC and political parties will have to make concessions over the demands raised on the opening of politics and holding elections keeping black money holders and terrorists at bay," Tofael told a private TV channel tonight He said it cannot be expected that the EC's all plans could be implemented and similarly all demands of the political parties cannot be accommodated."

Tofael, who has been asked to coordinate with the components of AL-led 14-party alliance, said everybody needs to help the EC implement its roadmap so that the next general election is not interrupted.

"And the EC will have to take such decisions through the dialogue which will be accepted to all," he said.

About the recent list of 35 corrupt suspects released by the Anti-Corruption Commission, including his name, Tofael said, "I've accepted it because the ACC can ask anyone to submit his wealth statement "I've never betrayed with Bangabandhu's ideology and principles in my life. Awami League is the part and percale of my life," Tofael said.

The former Commerce Minister admited that as a human being he has failures and mistakes as everyone has, and urged the people not to misunderstand him as his name is found on the list of corrupt suspects.