DHAKA, Nov 7, 2018 (BSS) – The second round of dialogue between Awami
League (AL) led 14-party combine and Jatiyo Oikya Front (JOF) on upcoming
national election has concluded with Prime Minister’s reassurance to hold a
free, fair and credible election.
“We want to demonstrate our commitment before the world by holding a free,
fair and credible election,” Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader
told reporters referring to the prime minister’s comment in 3-hour long
dialogue at Gonobhaban.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the 11-member delegation of 14-party
alliance. Other members were Obaidul Quader, Amir Hossain Amu, Tofail Ahmed,
Mohammed Nasim, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, Sheikh Fazlul Karim
Selim, Advocate Anisul Huq, Dr. Dipu Moni and Advocate SM Rezaul Karim.
The Jatiya Oikya Front (JOF) was led by its convener Dr Kamal Hossain.
Other members were ASM Abdur Rob, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Dr. Khandkar
Mosharraf Hossain, Barrister Moudud Ahmed, Mostafa Mohsin Montu, Advocate
Subrata Chowdhury, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, SM Akram, Abdul Malek Ratan and
Sultan Mohammad Monsur Ahmed.
Emerging from the dialogue, Obaidul Quader said the two sides may continue
talk on the election issues, but the dialogue with JOF has concluded.
He said the dialogue was held in a very cordial and sincere atmosphere,
adding that they agreed to continue talks with each other without any formal
dialogue.
Obaidul Quader said the prime minister in her winding up speech has
clearly requested them to join the polls, saying “we will show that it’s true
what I have said by holding a free and fair election.”
He said the JOF today came up with a proposal for holding the
parliamentary election under a ten-member neutral government in next 90 days
of the expiry of five years tenure of the present government on January 28,
2019.
But the 14-party alliance turned down the proposal of JOF as the proposal
was completely unconstitutional and on the ground that “any evil force may
create trouble and intrude during the interim period.”
Obaidul Quader said the prime minister has agreed to accept most of the 7-
point demand of the JOF saying the level playing field would be ensured for
all candidates and local and foreign observers would also be deployed to
monitor the polls.
The prime minister has asked the law minister to look into the real
political cases of the BNP leaders and workers, Quader said, adding that the
premier has clearly said she has no hesitation to accept most of their
demands.
But, today JOF leaders have brought some proposals which are really
contradictory to the constitution, he said.
The prime minister told the JOF leaders that her party would remain in
power if only people give them mandate and opposition party would come to
power if they win, he added.
About the agitation program of the JOF, AL general secretary said “we
welcome any peaceful political program. But any destructive activities in the
name of political program will not be accepted.”