BNP again calls for talks over polls-time govt

Expressing frustration over Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam's remark on Friday that the next parliamentary election will be held under the ruling party, BNP yesterday reiterated its call for holding dialogue over the framework of a polls-time neutral government.

"The country's people as well as BNP are disappointed…We are afraid that the government plans to arrange another January-5 styled voter-less polls," Spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon told a press briefing at the party's Naya Paltan central office in the capital.

He said holding a free, fair and inclusive election was the only way to overcome the political crisis Bangladesh was going through.

Pointing to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's recent remark that the polls must be held under a neutral government irrespective of its name, he said BNP reiterates the call upon the government to quit being stubborn and restore people's voting rights.

Ripon, also the international affairs secretary, said it has been proven that the election could not be free and fair under the ruling party.

"We want to say that discussions can be held with the political parties and civil society members about the framework, nature and responsibilities of the polls-time neutral administration. The government can arrange roundtables to this end," he said.