Hold local elections first to test administration's transparency: Hasnat Abdullah

The local elections should be held before the national elections to test the administration's transparency, Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser (South) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said today (19 March).

"In the last three elections, people could not vote. The administration voted and conducted the elections. This Awami League administration does not have the skills to hold a transparent and acceptable election," he said at an NCP-organised iftar programme in Shasongacha of Cumilla.

"We are not confident of ensuring acceptable elections until this administration is reformed. I am urging the interim government to conduct a test to verify the transparency of the administration by organising local government elections in five or six phases," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, he also called on everyone to take a strong stance against extortionists.

"Extortion, tender bidding, land grabbing, pond grabbing have started. Those who are extortionists should be crushed and handed over to the police," said Hasnat.

He also claimed that a conspiracy is being hatched abroad to rehabilitate the Awami League.

"Various political parties are trying to rehabilitate the Awami League to take advantage of the elections. Just as there cannot be two swords in one sheath, similarly, the Awami League cannot exist with the NCP in Bangladesh after 5 August," he added.