The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Leaders of major political parties called upon the government for reconsidering the approval of the Representation of the People Ordinance (Amendment) 2008.

However, Jatiya Party supported the amendment to the RPO, particularly inclusion of the provision not to allow front organisations and options of 'No' vote in the ballot paper.

The Council of Advisers in a meeting on Wednesday night approved the Representation of the People Ordinance (amendment) 2008 that provides for formation of electoral alliance among the registered and unregistered political parties.

It also provides not taking gift or donation or grant from any other country or NGO assisted by foreign aid and non-Bangladeshi, banning on front organisation of political parties and keeping unchanged the provision of 'No' vote option in ballot paper.

The political parties those opposing the amendment questioned the jurisdiction of the Caretaker Government to bring amendment to the RPO, particularly on fundamental issues.

Awami League Acting President Zillur Rahman said the conditions applied on the proposed ordinance are very harsh.

He said inclusion of "No vote option in the ballot paper is ridiculous.

The AL leader said provisions of banning front organisations of a political party was objectionable because these bodies are formed for the welfare of the people and to strengthen the party's organisational base.

He also opposed the provision that elected mayors and councillors would have to quit their respective party posts.

BNP Vice President MK Anwar yesterday expressed his concern over the amendment and demanded it should be reviewed.

He said bringing changes to party constitution in line with the proposed Representation of People (Amendment) Ordinance 2008 was not possible with emergency rule in place.

"Implementing the new RPO will necessitate bringing changes in the constitutions of political parties which is not possible at the moment since political activities remained suspended amid the state of emergency," he said adding, "Political parties cannot be controlled by enacting such laws."

The former minister, who was released on bail from jail recently, also protested inclusion some new provisions like option of 'No' votes in the polls and banning of political parties' front organisations.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mojaheed told The New Nation that bringing such amendment is beyond the jurisdiction of the Caretaker Government.

"Only an elected government or a Parliament has the authority to bring any change in fundamental issues," he observed.

The Jamaat leader suggested the government should reconsider the approval to the RPO amendment showing respect to the recent court verdict in this regard.

Jatiya Party Presidium Member GM Quader told The New Nation that the draft proposals for brining amendment to the RPO placed by the Election Commission was not unacceptable to them.

Expressing his support to the amendment he said, from our part we agree with the amendment brought to the RPO."