Staff Reporter :
General Secretary of Awami League Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not violate constitution in holding the upcoming general elections, but assured the Jatiya Oikya Front leaders of holding a fair, credible and acceptable election.
Obaidul Quader was briefing reporters after holding a “positive” second round of dialogue with political opposition Jatiya Oikyafront at Gano Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon.
During the meeting, the Oikya Front leaders demanded dissolution of Parliament, holding of polls within 90 days of its (Parliament’s) dissolution and formation of neutral government with advisors, he said.
But their demand could not be considered as it is unconstitutional, he said.
“Nothing will be done going beyond the constitution. We have conveyed that clearly,” he said.
Road and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader made it clear whether BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will be released from jail or not, but dropped subtle hints in this issue.
“We have no problem in accepting most of their demands,”Quader said on the note of Oikyafront’s demands, which prioritises Khaleda’s release.
“If there is any political prisoner, we will consider their freedom. The law minister will be instructed in this regard,” he said.
In reply to a concrete question on release of Khaleda, he said: “We have no problem if she can secure bail through the legal channel.”
There is no way to dissolve the Parliament before election to check “third force taking over power”.
“If the Parliament is dissolved, it might create a chance for undemocratic forces to seep in and assume power as done in January 2011, widely known 1/11,” Quader said.
“Our leader, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has assured that this election would be the most democratic election. She has asked them to trust her,” he said.
“We shall give complete freedom to foreign observers, ensure level playing field at the root levels and consider deployment of army as striking force,” he said.
