We’ll go to JS if consensus reached on reforms

"Once a consensus is reached, we will go to parliament to amend laws", he said addressing a public meeting held at the Town Hall ground on Friday. It was organised by the 14-party alliance here.

The AL leader said reforms in the electoral and caretaker systems are vital for holding the next general election in a free and fair manner. AL proposals will make all elections in future free and fair and consolidate democracy in the country.

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Abdul Jalil urged opposition parties to intensify agitation to compel the government to accept the reform proposals.

Presided over by Mymensingh AL President Principal Motiur Rahman, the meeting was addressed by, among others, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haque Inu, Gono Forum Presidium member Jahirul Islam, Dilip Barua of Sammyabadi Dal, Ganotantri Party President Azizul Islam Khan, Abdul Matin Sarker MP and local alliance leaders Mainuddin Khan Badal, Shafiqur Rahman, Abdul Mannan, Karim Sikder, Asim Kumar Ukil, Rashida Mohiuddin, A A S Kamal Hossain, Prof Atikur Rahman, Ziauddin Ahmed, Advocate Giasuddin, Dr Sujit Kumar Barman and Advocate Sadik Hossain.

Menon criticised the Chief Election Commission (CEC) for starting a "drama by inviting too many political parties to discuss voter list, bypassing the reform proposals.

"He has played in the hands of BNP", Menon said.

Inu said people will resist all attempts if the government wants to hold the next parliamentary election without reforms in the electoral and caretaker systems.

Dilip Barua said BNP wants to cling to power by using anti-liberation forces and hatching conspiracy. Their motive will be foiled, he said.