The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chairman of Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Dr Ferdous Ahmed Qureishi on Tuesday demanded rescheduling of the election schedule for making the polls acceptable to all.

Addressing a press conference at the PDP central office at Topkhana Road here, he also called for creating a congenial atmosphere for holding the elections by taking the whole nation into confidence without giving priority to any certain party.

Mentioning that 'level-playing field' was not created for staging fair and acceptable elections, the PDP chief said, "It is not logical to announce the election schedule by giving registration to some parties and keeping incomplete the registration work of others."

He said scrutiny and giving nomination of candidates would be very difficult at such a short time for the new parties which did not get registration.

Qureishi urged the EC to announce new schedule after completing the registration process of political parties so they get a reasonable time for giving nomination.

He said the election schedule should be rescheduled through discussions so that the elections could be held with the participation of all and on the basis of consensus.

The PDP chairman also demanded re-fixing of the voting dates subject to discussions.

Avoiding a direct reply to a question on the participation in the December 18 polls, he said the decision would be taken at a meeting of the National Executive Committee of the party on November 8.

He did not rule out the possibility of participation in the elections in alliance with any big party.

Qureishi said party's EC meeting would take decision, which will be better for the party and the nation. But, he said, "We have to be observant whether the country is moving towards one-sided elections or confrontation."