Chattogram Bureau

Leaders of different political parties, professional bodies, student leaders and civil society members today welcomed the much talked about probable election roadmap announced yesterday by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus.

They however, viewed that crucial reforms at different sectors in line with the recommendations of concern committees are prerequisite for marching forwards the election process.

Talking to BSS here today, they also opined that implementation of need-based reforms and preparations for election should go ahead simultaneously aimed at holding the next general election in a free, fair and participatory manner.

Among the interviewees, some have observed that upcoming national polls can be held much earlier by bringing required reforms only on the electoral process as prime responsibility of this interim government is to arrange a fair and participatory election to bring back the people’s voting right.

In this connection, they alleged that the people of the country were deprived of exercising their voting rights in the last 15 years of fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina.

“The announcement of election deadline as timely and appreciable...It at least would be helpful to reduce the growing uncertainty among all quarters but it should have been expedited,” opined Chattogram District Bar Association President Advocate Mohammad Nazim Uddin Chowdhury.

Describing the today’s judgment on scrapping the 15th amendment of constitution by High Court as “historic decision” he said the decision to restore caretaker government system will pave the way for doing polls related reforms.

He said reforms is very much required but incumbent interim government should ensure a pragmatic framework for participatory election and other reforms to be left for next elected government.

Dean of Faculty of Business Administration of Chittagong University Prof. S M Nasrul Quadir said Chief Adviser’s disclosure of election timeline deserved a big appreciation if commitment to this end is maintained.

Mentioning “sooner is better”, he said the election is to be expedited for having an elected government through implementing reforms, which is considered necessary for holding a free, fair and participatory polls. “Actually reforms have no limits as it was a continuous process.”

Member secretary of city unit BNP Nazimur Rahman said if the fascist Hasina won’t snatch the voting rights of the people and held election after 5 years term she would not have fled the country in such shameful way.

“So it is better for present interim government to arrange the upcoming much expected national polls as soon as possible with necessary polls related reforms to bring an end the dream of people’s long awaiting voting exercise” he observed.

Because, he said, next elected government particularly the coming parliament will have the sole responsibility to endorse the crucial reforms including constitutional ones. In that point of view, interim government can make recommendation while their implementation should leave for next elected government.

Alhaj Shahjahan Chowdhury, city unit Ameer of Jammat-e-Islami Bangladesh has opined that entire nation was very happy and exited for CA’s timely announcement of the deadline of the next general election.

“We should give adequate time to the interim government for necessary reforms before election as Chief Adviser is very prudent and internationally acclaimed personality to do the needful for the country in time” the former law maker said.

Chowdhury said national consensus already been forged to ensure trial of killers, members of corrupt syndicate involved with ousted fascist Hasina government as well as those who were responsible for torture and forced disappearance of people before next election.

Appreciating the CA’s decision on polls, Rasel Ahmed , central Coordinator of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement said trial and punitive punishments of those responsible for murder, forced disappearance and corruption during the last 15 years including July-August uprising must be ensured before the next election.

“Reforms in different sectors like education, constitution, economy, judiciary, election commission and anti-corruption commission are required to rebuild the country but more importantly ensure punishments of culprits and perpetrators of fascist regime,“Rasel, also a vanguard of July uprising told BSS.

A M Nazimuddin, a prominent labour leader while talking to BSS said CA’s probable polls announcement was a desired decision for the nation and it will be better if next election can be arranged a bit earlier to avoid further uncertainty and unrest.