Election won’t be participatory if BNP boycotts: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said that the next general election will not be participatory without the participation of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The CEC made this comment at the beginning of a dialogue with Khelafat Majlis held at Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka on Monday afternoon.

Mentioning that confusion has been created over the next general election, the CEC said, “Confusion has arisen about the general election. A major part of political parties does not want to join to the election. They have made it clear that they will not participate in the election.”

He further said, “Every day I read newspapers and come to know that BNP and some other like-minded parties have decided not to participate in the election. They have some demands, including a polls time government. They will not join election if the demands are not met. These conditions have created uncertainty and confusion.”

Election Commission is ready to hold general election, said the CEC adding that they think that if BNP does not participate in this election then their purpose of organizing a participatory election will not be successful.

CEC said, “We may hold the election. However, BNP can hold dialogue with other parties, especially the ruling party, to reach on a consensus on how to hold the election. There is no obstacle to arrange an election based on that consensus.”

However, that promise of political parties is not yet available and that situation has not created, said Kazi Habibul Awal.

“We are still in doubt and dilemma that is BNP joining to the election finally? They (BNP) may create a situation like this by holding dialogue with the government and Awami League.”

Urging BNP to join in the next general polls, the CEC said, “We are urging BNP to participate in polls. They need to join in the election in any way.”