The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

BNP Secretary General Khandkar Delwar Hossain yesterday reacted sharply against the Chief Election Commissioner's comment on his party constitution, saying determination of the constitution of political parties was beyond the jurisdiction of the Election Commission.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr ATM Shamsul Huda at a dialogue with the Workers Party on political and electoral reforms on Tuesday, said the political parties lacking democracy in their constitution would not get registration for taking part in the election.

The CEC also said many political parties, including the BNP, should have to amend their constitutions before registration in accordance with the Election Commission (EC) rules.

Rejecting the CEC 's views, Khandaker Delwar said, "It is beyond his jurisdiction to decide the constitution of a political party."

"The CEC has gone beyond his constitutional obligation by asking amendment to the constitution of the political parties for getting registration," Delwar told journalists his residence.

The CEC's comment has questioned the neutrality of the CEC and generated doubts among the public as to whether an impartial election is at all possible under him, he observed.

The BNP Secretary General said the CEC was holding the constitutional post as such he could not make such remarks on constitution of the political parties. The CEC has stepped beyond his right, he added.

He claimed that democracy was very much practiced in his party.

"Although the party constitution bestowed all powers in the Chairperson, she used to take decisions in consultation at the party forums, he said, posing question as to how BNP got the massive popularity if it did not practice democracy.

Delwar further claimed that his party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia had also agreed to amend the constitution for the sake of the party.

"But amendment to the party constitution could not be done keeping her in prison, he said, asserting, "No amendment will not be done under instigation of any quarter or accepted if it is imposed by anyone else."

He said, "The statement of the CEC manifested the secret design to keep BNP out of the election race."

Delwar claimed that Begum Khaleda Zia has millions of supporters across the country. "None should think of holding the election without the

participation of her party," he warned.

Referring to the post-cyclone situation the BNP leader welcomed the efforts of the US marines in relief operation. He said in the past also the US Army came to Bangladesh in aid of the victims of national calamities.