The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

BNP Secretary General Khandokar Delwar Hossain yesterday reiterated the demand for holding free, fair and credible parliamentary election ahead of local government polls.

"We along with the people of the country are doubtful over the next parliamentary elections within December," he told the media at the party's central office in the city's Nayapaltan area.

He said the Election Commission (EC) has taken so many tasks in their hands, which have complicated the election process.

" First of all the Election Commission should hold the national elections before local government polls with the participation of all parties," he stressed.

Replying to a question whether there is any division exists in the party, he firmly said BNP is united under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia.

He said efforts by some so- called reformists to divide the party have failed.

" Reformists would have to prove their acceptability to the party as Begum Zia has urged all to work for the party from their respective positions," he added.

On the issue of dialogue between BNP and the EC expected to be held on Saturday Khandoker Delwar said issues relating to voter lists, Representation of People Order (RPO), registration of political parties and ways for holding a free, fair and credible election would come up in the discussion.

He, however, demanded of the EC to scrap the RPO, as it has been prepared without discussions with the political parties.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General (retd) Hannan Shah, BNP Chairperson's adviser, told reporters at his Mohakhali DOHS residence that Khaleda Zia wants to include some new faces in the party's ranks to make the party stronger.

" Begum Zia needs some time to reorganise the party as it faced some troubles in recent past," Hannan Shah said after meeting with Khaleda on Tuesday.