BNP discussing with several Islamic parties to form an alliance: Salahuddin
"Any party not participating in the election is their political freedom. Those who boycott with an excuse will exclude themselves from future politics,” he says
Highlights
- Salahuddin sees no doubt about February election
- Some parties trying to create confusion about polls
- BNP to give alternative proposals on July Charter
- Boycotting polls will push parties out of politics
- No alliance with Jamaat, talks with other Islamic groups underway
The BNP is holding discussions with several Islamic parties to form an alliance, the party's Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said today (26 August).
"Discussions are underway, though nothing has been finalised yet," he told the media at his residence in Dhaka's Gulshan.
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The BNP leader, however, ruled out any possibility of joining with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. "A coalition can be formed with those who were part of the simultaneous movement, and they may also be part of the future government," he said.
About the election, Salahuddin said, "There is no doubt about the upcoming national election being held in February. The election will be held within the timeframe announced by the government, and there is no scope to think otherwise."
"However, two or three political parties are trying to create confusion. This could be their political strategy," he added.
Expressing BNP's expectations regarding the elections, the BNP leader said, "This election will be a historic event in the country's political history."
In response to the question of some parties boycotting the election if the July Charter is not implemented, he said, "Any party not participating in the election is exercising their political freedom. Those who boycott with an excuse will exclude themselves from future politics."
On demands for a Proportional Representation (PR) system or a Constituent Assembly, Salahuddin termed them "political tactics to heat up the field," adding that those who oppose the election mood will be "sidelined."
Regarding the July Charter, he said BNP finds some points unreasonable and will present alternative proposals during talks with the National Consensus Commission. "Nothing that stands above the constitution will be acceptable."
He expected political parties to reach a consensus through discussions.
Salahuddin also noted that BNP does not want complications over the election under the interim government, as the current government was formed with consensus. He added that the matter of the caretaker government may be implemented in the next election after it is reinstated.
