The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday demanded holding of a referendum in October to seek opinion of the people for balance between the powers of the president and the prime minister.

PDP Chairman Dr Ferdous Ahmad Quareshi made the demand at a press conference at the party office in the city yesterday. PDP Secretary General Noor Mohammad Khan, Vice-Chairman Major General (retd) Rafiqul Hossain, Additional Secretary General Golam Sarwar Milon, Joint Secretary General Mosharraf Hossain Khan and Office Secretary Major (retd) Reazul Islam, were among others present.

The PDP chairman demanded referendum to seek people's opinion on nullifying article 70 of the constitution. He said it is possible to overcome the impasse in national politics by seeking the opinion of the people through a referendum.

He called for holding the referendum in October and the national polls later.

Dr Quareshi said the trial of a number of corrupt persons should be completed before the next parliament elections.

He said no meaningful change would come in politics without the creation of a third trend in national politics. It is fortunate that the PDP has been established in the country as the main force of the third trend in country's politics, he added.

Quareshi said the PDP has been supporting the one-eleven and hoped that the one-eleven would bring about a qualitative change in politics.

He said the people do not want the country to return to misrule and evil politics that preceded the one-eleven. The anti-corruption drive would end successfully, he hoped.

The PDP chairman said there is nothing to say if the corrupt suspects get bail through the legal procedure, but questions might arise, if they get release on a large-scale.

He opposed the new election law prohibiting participation of teachers in elections.