No consensus among political parties, Govt to hold polls as scheduled

November 20, 2008

Removing all confusions and uncertainty, the caretaker government on Wednesday made its stand clear that parliamentary and upazila elections will be held on December 18 and December 28 respectively as per previous schedule.
In written statement Commerce Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman spoke to reporters at a crowded press conference held at Chief Adviser Office yesterday.
“Following BNP-led four-party alliance’s four-point demand, the caretaker government and the Election Commission placed some proposals before the two political alliances in order to ensure participation of all political parties in the upcoming elections for the greater interest of the country. Despite hectic efforts made by the caretaker government and the Election Commission, as the two political alliances failed to reach a consensus, the elections will be held as per the schedules announced previously” Zillur said, adding the caretaker government hopes that all quarters remaining at their respective places will play their own role in the greater interest of the nation.
After assuming power the caretaker government has been maintaining its neutrality to ensure holding of a free, fair and acceptable parliamentary election with the participation of all political parties.
“The government has taken manifold steps and attached the highest importance on holding a meaningful election. As per our previous commitment the government announced the polling date of parliamentary election after consultation with the Election Commission. Following the polling dates announcement, the Election Commission announced the schedules of general and upazila elections simultaneously,” he described.
Hossain Zillur said the government placed four-point proposals before the two political alliances to reach a consensus over those issues. The proposals were to hold the parliamentary election on December 28 instead of December 18, considering the law and order situation state of emergency will be lifted completely, holding of upazila elections on January 8 in 2009 and to exercise highest caution and transparency in applying section 91 (E) of RPO.
Hossain Zillur Rahman further added that the government and the Election Commission will take the highest security measures to maintain law and order in a bid to hold the election on time in a peaceful manner.

No consensus among political parties, Govt to hold polls as scheduled

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