The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) spokesman and Joint Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam yesterday alleged that the activities of the Election Commission (EC) was creating doubts and fears in the people's mind over the holding of parliamentary election on December 18.

He said, "We are trying to complete our electoral jobs within the deadline announced by the EC. But the EC has deferred election schedules to facilitate a quarter rather than creating a level playing ground."

Ashraful made this remark while talking to newsmen after one and half hour bilateral meeting between party president Sheikh Hasina and Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakrabarty.

Replying to a question about any apprehensions about the parliamentary election, he said, 'The EC itself is now making us suspicious."

"We also have come to know the EC may defer the election date. I am again saying that if the polls date is deferred beyond December 18, disastrous situation will be created in the country." Asked to explain the word 'disaster', he said, "The caretaker government will have to quit power by December. That is why the polls must be held within December. If the national polls is not held by December, will the country remain without government from January?"

Pinak Ranjan Chakrabarty told reporters that he only came to meet Sheikh Hasina to enquire about the former premier's health conditions and how she had received treatment in abroad.

About the parliamentary election, Chakravarty said, "We have heard that the polls will be held on December 18 and it should be held in time."

Asked if the prevailing atmosphere of the country was suitable for the polls or not, he said, "Well, that has to be achieved and determined by the government, political parties and the EC."

Ashraful said, "It was only a courtesy call. Our president said the polls must be held on December 18, because an elected government only can attract foreign investment, control commodity prices and create employment."