CA plunges nation into crisis

Dr Kamal Hossain, president of Gano Forum and a member of the AL-led grand alliance, said this during a meeting with Richard Lugar, chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, at his office at Capitol Hill in Washington DC on Tuesday, says a press release.

Explaining the current political situation in Bangladesh, Dr Kamal said President/ Chief Adviser Iajuddin Ahmed has plunged the country into deep crisis by tarnishing the image of the non-partisan caretaker government through appointing himself as the chief adviser and his various controversial activities have called into question the neutrality of the caretaker government.

As a level-playing field with a neutral umpire does not exist in the country, all the political parties except the BNP-led alliance have collectively decided not to take part in the election, he said.

Also, the civil society firmly believes that it is not possible to hold a free and fair election under this caretaker government, he added.

The 14-party alliance, which is committed to democracy, would be willing to participate in the elections, provided that the caretaker government demonstrate its good faith, neutrality and firmness in ensuring and maintaining a level-playing field, Dr Kamal said.

The eminent jurist expressed his alliance members' deep appreciation for the efforts made so far by the international community, particularly the United States, to help Bangladeshis hold a free, fair and impartial election and keep the democratic process on track.

On behalf of his alliance partners, Dr Kamal expressed his hope that the United States would continue to remain proactively engaged at this critical juncture to ensure that democracy and freedom in Bangladesh are not thwarted.

Senator Lugar expressed the United States' commitment to promoting democracy and upholding freedom everywhere.

He assured Dr Kamal that he would discuss with the US government the prevailing situation in Bangladesh and the ways to assist the people of Bangladesh in strengthening democracy.

Ekramul Ameen, political consultant and businessman from Indiana, and Kenneth Myers, Senator Lugar's senior professional staff member, were present at the meeting.