BNP vs. AL
During the general elections held in 2001, the BNP got absolute majority with 193 seats while AL won 58 and according to Sheikh Hasina they were then given only 6 seats in the front row of parliament( apparently 1 seat for every 10 MPs which roughly makes 5 and 4/5th seats for 58). Now in the elections held in 2008, the AL won absolute majority with 230 seats whereas the BNP managed to get only 32 including 2 of the Jamaat. Therefore, following the existing formula, they are entitled to only 3 and 1/5th seats at the most 4 seats but certainly not 7.
As they say, as you sow so shall you reap! Some BNP leaders are now talking of Sheikh Hasina's statement to the effect that she would give more importance to them then their numerical strength in the house. Obviously, she meant the strength of their statements on the floor of the house. It can hardly be taken as a promise to give them more seats on the front row then they are actually entitled to. We wish she had been more careful in the use of her words. It is childish on the part of the BNP to quibble on this point and abstain from parliament sessions.
After the 2001 general elections, the BNP had set up a committee to prepare a white paper on the corruption committed during the 1996-2001 rule of the AL. So, now that the AL government is talking of a white paper on the corruption of the BNP and the CTG during 2001-08, why should the BNP now raise objections at all? The Awami League govt. is only following the lead of BNP in witch hunting!
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