The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

A section of politicians, academics and civil society members at a discussion said yesterday that free, fair and credible election will not be possible under the present Election Commission (EC).

They also called upon the government and the EC to defer the parliamentary polls date by at least couple of months so that all political parties can take part in the polls.

They were speaking at a discussion on " Ninth Parliamentary Election: Neutrality of Government and Election Commission" organised by Nagorik Forum (NF) at the VIP lounge of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

Mahmudur Rahman, former chairmen of the Board of Investment (BoI), was present as chief guest while Abdullah hil Masud, Chairman of NF presided over. Mohammad Mahbub Hossain, General Secretary of the organisation moderated the discussion.

Speakers pointing out that a large number of political parties are yet to get registration certificates from the EC despite their public support at the grass roots level.

They blamed the EC for giving registrations to some political parties, which have even no popular supports in the country.

They said a fair election is not possible by keeping major parties outside the election race.

They also called upon all Islamic minded nationalists forces to be united for defending the country's independence and sovereignty.

Mahmudur Rahman said free and fair election is not possible under the present EC. He said lifting the sate of emergency is the prerequisite for neutral polls. He criticised a particular party for their double standard on Jammat issue.

Abdul Qader Mollah, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e- Islami, said the EC has already lost its neutrality by showing step motherly attitude toward some political parties on registration issue.

Gayweshwar Chandar Roy demanded resignation of the Election Commissioners and reconstitute of the new commission for conducing fair polls.

Alamgir Mohiuddin, Editor of the daily 'Naya Diganta', Abdul Latif Nezami, Secretary General, Islami Oikkya Jote, Qazi Abul Khair, Secretary General of Muslim League, Golam Sarwar Milon, former minister and PDP central leader, Joynal Abedin Farooq, former MP and Advocate Abed Raza of BNP, Abu Naser Mohammad Rahmatullah, Secretary General of Jatiya Party and Prof Tahmina Akhter, among others, attended the discussion.