VVIP protocol for party chiefs hinders level-playing field: Islami Andolan
Referring to Khaleda Zia's death, Ataur criticised what he described as excessive mourning
Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) has alleged that leaders of certain political parties are receiving VVIP treatment, creating obstacles to a level playing field ahead of the 12 February national election and referendum.
"We told the Election Commission that some political parties are getting priority in various cases," said IAB Senior Joint Secretary General Gazi Ataur Rahman while speaking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission this afternoon (6 January).
"The chiefs of one or two parties are enjoying VVIP protocol. This has raised various questions among people and is clearly a barrier to ensuring a level playing field," he added.
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Referring to Khaleda Zia's death, Ataur criticised what he described as excessive mourning.
"Khaleda Zia has passed away. We are also deeply saddened by her death," he said. "But what we are seeing now is excessiveness. Using this issue, three days of national mourning have been declared across the country in various educational institutions and even government offices. If mourning is observed for months during the election period, we think that is also excessive."
Ataur said his party urged the Election Commission to ensure no political party exploits the issue for electoral gain during the election period.
On looted weapons, he said: "Illegal arms are usually recovered before every election, but this time we feel the pace is somewhat slow."
He explained that his party had informed the EC that all stolen arms had not yet been recovered, while the Commission replied that about 70% had been retrieved.
Ataur also raised concerns over the lack of focus on the referendum to be held alongside the parliamentary polls.
"This election is not just a parliamentary election; at the same time, a referendum will be held on the July Charter," he said.
"But there is very little discussion or campaign on the referendum. The Election Commission is also not focusing on it adequately. We told them that the referendum issue must be brought into focus and public discussion…. People are almost forgetting about the referendum," he added.
