The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

BNP participation in the election depends on the caretaker government and the election commission's decision about its demands, party secretary-general Khandaker Delwar Hossain said yesterday, virtually setting a precondition.

The demands include full lifting of the state of emergency and release of BNP leaders for their participation in the elections.

Talking to the media at his NAM apartment a day after his party chief and ex-premier Khaleda Zia announced a tough stance on realization of their demands before going to the polls, Delwar said if the government wants free and fair elections, their demands "must be met".

"A level playing field has not yet been created and the government must do it for free and fair elections," he said, although the interim regime has already started the election process by setting November 13 for filing nomination for the December 18 polls.

Referring to the BNP chairperson's speech at Friday's Laldighi Maidan rally, the BNP secretary general said the chairperson had already stated they would participate in the elections provided conditions for fair election are in place.

"BNP is a pro-lection party and was voted to power thrice through elections," he said to

underscore their willingness to participate in the polls in a congenial atmosphere.

UNB, Gazipur

Reaffirming that the polling will be held on December 18, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (rtd) Sakhawat Hossain yesterday said the demand of 4-party alliance is a matter of the government to resolve.

Talking to prospective candidates of the five seats in the district and local leaders of political parties he stressed on strict adherence to the election rules and the code of conduct.

Sakhawat cautioned that anyone indulge in 'showdown' during submission of nomination papers would be disqualified. Nomination of candidates of any party having no registration with the EC will not be accepted.

Nomination paper and transparent ballot box were demonstrated at the meeting.

Political leaders raised questions on delimitation of constituencies and fixation of parliamentary and upazila polls in close proximity, which they opposed.

Leaders took part in the meeting included Zahid Ahsan Rassel, Tanzim Ahmed Sohel Taj, AFM Mozammel Haq, Ajmat Ullah Khan, Kamal Sikder, Haris Ahmed, Shafiqul Islam Babul, Abu Taher, Dr Sahabuddin, Afzal Hossain Kaisar, Brig (rtd) Aziz Mahmud Hasan, Abdus Sattar and Dr Nazimuddin Ahmed.