Interim govt completely divided nation: Kader Siddique

Abdul Kader Siddique, president of Krishak Sramik Janata League, has alleged that the current government has completely divided the nation.

Speaking at an Election Commission (EC) dialogue with political parties today (16 November), he criticised the government's dialogue process, noting that although there are now 40-50 registered political parties, discussions are limited to just two or three, making the process neither neutral nor comprehensive.

"[Chief Adviser] Professor Yunus has not invited my party to a dialogue in the past 15 months. I will not respond if he makes any call in the future for talks," he added.

Kader Siddique described the simultaneous scheduling of the referendum and national elections as a major inconsistency.

He warned that the upcoming elections could be at risk if 70-80% of voters do not participate in the referendum.

Kader Siddique stressed that people were unable to vote in the last three elections and urged the Election Commission to ensure an environment this time where citizens can exercise their voting rights freely.

He also warned the EC that if the majority of voters are unable to cast their ballots freely, holding credible elections would be impossible. "The Awami League will try to obstruct the elections," he said.

Referring to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as his political father, Kader said, "My political father is Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I have learned to love the country by loving Bangabandhu."

Political parties press EC for neutrality

Political parties participating in the second day of dialogue delivered a clear message: the EC must remain neutral, firm and free from external pressure ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls.

They urged the commission to take a strong stance against irregularities, invisible influences and past controversies, ensuring that its words and actions are fully aligned.

The EC reassured the parties that muscle power, bias and misinformation would not be tolerated, and that law enforcement would act strictly to ensure a fair election.

Several parties criticised the commission for holding the dialogue too late. They argued that earlier consultations could have reduced disputes over amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and the electoral code of conduct, while also allowing the EC to incorporate feedback from all stakeholders.

Party representatives stressed that many voters were denied their rights in previous elections, making the EC's neutrality this time essential. They called for deployment of the army, recovery of illegal weapons, strict control of black money and action against criminal groups.

Some parties also advised against holding a referendum on the same day as the national election, warning that it would undermine the importance of the referendum. Other proposals included reducing nomination deposits, installing CCTV cameras, holding elections in phases, ensuring a level playing field and conducting voting on a divisional basis.

Overall, the parties agreed that public confidence could be restored if the EC remains strong, impartial and independent.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, alongside the four election commissioners, presided over the sessions.

"We hope to receive the expected cooperation from all parties. Conducting a fair election is a national responsibility. As a nation, we must work together to succeed," the CEC said.

The EC held discussions with representatives from 11 political parties in the conference room of the Election Commission building today. Although invited, representatives of Trinamool BNP did not attend.

The EC held talks with Gono Forum, Gono Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP) and the Bangladesh National Party in the morning.

In the afternoon, discussions were held with representatives from Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP), Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish and Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

The commission has invited 12 more parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, for the third-day dialogue scheduled for tomorrow.