The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Islami Oikya Jote led by Mufti Fazlul Haque Amini during its dialogue with the government yesterday demanded holding the elections in October, so that hajis could cast their votes and celebration of Eid-ul-Azha does not fall in the fray of franchise. On the other hand, the government side led by Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed assured the IOJ delegation that hajj pilgrims hopefully would be able to cast their vote after performing hajj.

During the two-hour long talks held at Chief Adviser's Office, the 11-member IOJ delegation led by its Ameer Mufti Fazlul Haque Amini placed a 21-point charter of demands.

The demands include banning foreign NGOs from election monitoring, cancelling the registration of the NGOs involved in anti-religious activities and curbing the price hike of essential commodities.

The other demands also include withdrawal of state of emergency and restrictions on indoor politics immediately, inviting observers for monitoring the general election, removing doubt over holding the election in due time and ridding the nation of a sense of doubt over any initiative being taken.

"We have requested the government for holding the elections in October, instead of December because of religious sentiments," said IOJ Chairman Fazlul Haque Amini while briefing journalists following the talks.

He said the IOJ leaders also demanded for holding the national polls ahead of the local government elections.

About the disputed National Women Development Policy, the IOJ leader said anti-Islamic elements should be eliminated from the policy.

The IOJ leaders took a strong stand against politics of militancy in the country and gave their edicts for its elimination.

They said all parties should come forward, casting off one's arrogance and with an attitude of giving concession, in the greater national interest in restoring peace and democratic politics in the country.

This was the ninth spell of dialogue between the government and political parties.

Adviser for Education and Commerce Hossain Zillur Rahman said the government was serious about the election roadmap.

He said the government was working to build people's confidence in the administration in a way so that they "can have faith in us".

Replying to a question as to whether Sheikh Hasina's release is a part of reported minus-two policy of the government, Hossain Zillur said it is the responsibility of you (media) to analyse it. "We only will disseminate information available," he said.

Asked whether the dialogue would be a failure if the two major political parties boycotted it, the adviser said, "We are proceeding with patience. The two major parties also want to go forward on the basis of consensus."

Adviser for Law AF Hassan Ariff, Adviser for Communications Ghulam Quader and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury were also present on behalf of the government.

IOJ Secretary General Maulana Abdul Latif Nezami and its leaders Mohiuddin Khan, Md Abdur Rakib, Pirjada Moeenuddin Ahmad Jubair Mia, Jasimuddin, Mufti Md Wakkas, Md Zonaid Al Habib, Abdullah Md Hannan and Mufti Md Faezullah, who were in the dialogue.

The next dialogue will be held with the Unity for Political Reforms, one of the political platforms, today.