The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

On a highly politically significant note, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat Hossain Sunday said he sees a black patch of cloud at 'Ishankone'-a precursor to a storm and concomitant troubles.

In the weather system in the region, violent storms usually brew up when clouds gather at Ishankone (northeast corner of the sky). Sakhawat made the remark in the midst of dialogue with an Awami League delegation on the Commission's proposed electoral reforms, preparatory to holding the general election that was last stalled amid a grave political crisis.

He suddenly took the microphone interrupting Awami League delegation leader Zillur Rahman who was summing up his deliberations during the dialogue.

"I have some comments," he cut in and took the microphone, looking at Chief Election Commissioner Dr Shamsul Huda. "We want to hold a free and fair election as per our roadmap and we seek your cooperation," he told the Awami Leaguers, who came up with a package of their own proposals on election matters. He however said, " Being an expert I can see a patch of black clouds at Ishankone, but I don't want to tell more about that." In a style of sermons, the Election Commissioner said, "There should not be a situation created for us that may lead to the fall from the top. You please try to understand and we want to get over this election."

Although Sakhawat wouldn't explain what precise issue prompted him to make such comments in metaphorical terms, but issues like restriction on war criminals and religion-based parties in participating in elections came up prominently during the dialogue.