HT Imam admits problems for fair polls

HT Imam
HT Imam

The prime minister's political affairs adviser HT Imam on Wednesday claimed that premier Sheikh Hasina was trying to extend her assistance for holding a fair election in the country.

He, however, admitted that still there are some barriers to a fair election.

"Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is doing everything necessary for holding fair elections. There're some problems over holding a fair election, and we're trying to resolve those," he told newsmen after an exchange of view with diplomats and other stakeholders.

Imam expressed his views that the political parties and the media need to cooperate with the election commission (EC) in holding credible elections.

Leaders of major political parties, civil society members and election observers joined the meeting with some diplomats over the next general election atmosphere, reports UNB.

Canada and National Democratic Institute (NDI) jointly organised the programme at a city hotel. Diplomats from Australia, Sweden, Norway, Japan, Canada and some other countries were present.

The closed-door meeting that began around 8:30am continued for around two hours.

HT Imam said they discussed various issues relating to the 11th parliamentary elections.

BNP standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said they talked about the necessary steps that should be taken for ensuring an acceptable election.

He said their party and alliance joined the election though the EC could not ensure a level-playing field. "We hope the election commission will take necessary measures in the days to come to ensure a neutral election."

Awami League joint general secretary Dipu Moni said they discussed how the election can be held in a batter way.

She said the government is providing the election commission with all-out cooperation so that it can arrange the election independently exercising its constitutional authorities.

Civil society body Broti CEO Sharmin Murshid said it was a very important discussion as all the election stakeholders participated in it. "We hope such discussions will help reduce tension and instability, and pave the way for holding a credible election."

Former election commissioner and retired brigadier general M Sakhawat Hussain said Bangladesh has many outstanding achievements. "These achievements can fade away if the election is not held in a fair and credible manner."

The prime minister's foreign affairs adviser Gowher Rizvi, the BNP chairperson's adviser Reaz Rahman, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh presidium member Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury and civil society platform Shujan secretary Badiul Alam Majumder were, among others, present.