The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Leaders of major political parties yesterday expressed their concern over the Chief Election Commissioner's remark that election schedule cannot be announced until disposal of the delimitation disputes over parliamentary constituencies by the court

As per the previous announcement, the Election Commission was supposed to declare the polls schedule on November 2.

Acting president of Awami League Zillur Rahman told reporters that a fresh doubt has raises on holding of the parliamentary polls on December 18 centering the delimitation disputes. He warned that the nation would fall in crisis both politically and economically, if the election is not held on the time announced by the Chief Adviser.

The AL leader suggested the government should take necessary measures to resolve the dispute as soon as possible to hold the elections on December 18.

Awami League presidium member Tofail Ahmed said there is no option but to hold the elections on December 18.

"We do hope the legal battle on the delimitation issue will be resolved soon and the elections will be held on the declared day," he hoped.

Talking to The New Nation BNP chairperson's adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Hannan Shah expressed his deep concern over the CEC's statement.

He, however, did not consider it as a pretext to delaying the parliamentary polls.

The outspoken BNP leader cautioned the government not to plot any conspiracy for deferring the polling date.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Mohammad Kamaruzzaman termed the CEC's statement as a move not to hold elections on December 18.

"The election must be held on the declared day. Otherwise, the nation would fall in a deep crisis," he apprehended.

The Jamaat leader suggested the government as well as the Election Commission to hold the elections on the basis of old demarcation of constituencies.

President of Communist Party of Bangladesh Manjurul Ahsan Khan said after the CEC's statement the doubt about holding the elections on December 18 had increased.

He questioned the sincerity of the government in resolving the delimitation disputes saying that the government resolved many political issues quickly but it is not clear why this is being delayed.

"It will be a victory of the anti-election forces, if the polls do not take place on December 18," he warned.