RPO amendment made without party consultation: Biplobi Workers' Party
The Biplobi Workers' Party has expressed dissatisfaction over the amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), saying it was done without consulting registered political parties.
"There should have been discussions with political parties before finalising the RPO. But no such discussion took place. The amendment has already been gazetted—this is not a considered decision. We have expressed our strong dissatisfaction, resentment, and objection to this," said Party General Secretary Saiful Haque while speaking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today (4 November).
Saiful said the Election Commission is now facing a major challenge. He added that during the National Consensus Commission meeting, there had been no specific discussion on the RPO or the code of conduct.
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"Even if action is seen to be taken by the government, the EC cannot evade its responsibility," he said.
During the meeting, the Biplobi Workers' Party submitted a 31-point proposal, calling for reduced security deposits and campaign expenses for candidates, equal opportunities for all parties, and greater authority and status for the Election Commission.
Saiful added that there was still time to reform the electoral system and hold the parliamentary election in February, alongside a possible national referendum.
Notably, a gazette notification of the RPO Ordinance, 2025, issued by the president, was published by the law ministry yesterday (3 November).
Earlier, on 23 October, the interim government's Advisory Council granted policy approval to the draft of the RPO amendment ordinance.
