AL to share seats with 14-party allies by 17 Dec: Quader
He emphasised that it would not be a prudent decision to nominate the “non-electable” aspirants for the national elections
The Awami League to decide on seat-sharing with its partners of 14-party alliance by 17 December, the last date for withdrawing candidacy for the 12th Jatiya Sangsad elections, the party's General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said.
"There is time till 17 December. There is enough scope for any adjustment and distribution of seats among ourselves during the period. We can do it by then," Quader said while talking to reporters at the Awami League president's political office in the capital's Dhanmondi yesterday.
Mentioning that the 14-party alliance led by Awami League has not been dissolved, Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister further said that if the issue of seat-sharing arises within the alliance, there is still time for that.
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He emphasised that it would not be a prudent decision to nominate the "non-electable" aspirants for the national elections.
The Awami League general secretary further stated that despite confusions among many regarding arrivals of foreign observers, more than 100 observers have already responded to come to Bangladesh during the elections.
He added that the Awami League is not worried about the issue of observers.
Asked about the allegations by several 14-party allies that his remarks are creating confusion among them, Quader said, "Those who will contest in the elections must submit their nomination papers. There is still time for any seat-sharing within the alliance. I do not know whether they have confusion about it."
Mentioning that the Awami League wants the upcoming elections to be fair and credible, he said, "There will be a fair election with people's participation. There will also be a good turn-out. The fervent women [voters and leaders] have meanwhile created enthusiasm all over the country."
Quader is optimistic that the turnout of voters in the national polls will not be less than that in the developed countries. "The elections in Bangladesh can no longer be called 'voterless'," he said.
Responding to a question regarding the independent candidates of the Awami League, he said that the party has planned a strategy in this regard, but random independent candidates will not be allowed from the party to run in the polls.
