‘We invited BNP to have chat, not formal talks’

The BNP was invited for informal discussions and not for any formal talks, said Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal yesterday.

It was the Election Commission’s decision to invite the BNP; it was not made as part of any government tactic or following any kind of international pressure, he said at a press briefing held at the EC office in the capital.

The CEC said, “The matter of [international] pressure is completely absurd.”

The CEC sent a demi-official letter to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday, saying that the invitation was for its leaders as well as for those from its like-minded parties to discuss issues, including the next polls, due to be held in late December this year or early January next year.

Although the BNP is yet to make any formal reply to the letter, Fakhrul  on Saturday said the EC’s letter inviting the BNP to “talks is nothing  but the latest strategy of the government to hold another election  depriving people of their voting rights”.

The CEC said, “I want to inform all that the government has no relation with the letter. If there is any tactic, that was EC’s …”

“It was not sent in line with recommendations of the government. We feel hurt when it is said that we act obediently to the government. We did not do so; rather our thought was reflected, he said, adding, “It would be better if a party like the BNP could be brought to the election.”

The EC is expecting BNP’s response to their letter in writing, he said.

When asked what would be the agenda for discussion as the BNP is adamant about an election-time caretaker government, Habibul said: “They [BNP] might have told you that, but we are yet to receive any letter. If they join the discussion and set the agenda, then the commission will decide on that issue. I don’t want to make any advance comment on it.”

He added that the commission from the beginning is expecting a free, fair, participatory and effective competitive election. Political parties should take part in the polls for the sake of country’s democracy as well democracy within the parties, he added.

The BNP skipped the talks organised in July last year regarding the next general election. The party also did not join another dialogue organised by the EC in June last year to discuss the use of EVMs.

Besides, the party did not join President Abdul Hamid’s call on the formation of the EC last year.

BNP’s RESPONSE

The BNP will not sit with the EC for any formal or informal talks.

It has decided not to reply to the EC even but will make its  position clear holding a press conference, said party leaders.

The decision was made at the standing committee meeting, the  highest policy making body of the BNP, last night, said party  sources.

The sources said they believe the letter was  sent following the government’s instructions and it is a staged drama and  the BNP does not want to take part in any such drama.

Wishing not to be named, a standing committee member told The Daily Star that the party will go for  talks only if it is held on the caretaker government issue.

He  added that leaders in the meeting said as the party is in movement for election under a caretaker government system and the EC does not  have anything to say regarding this issue, there is no reason to hold talks with  the EC.