Dhaka: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is planning to launch a mass contact programme across the country after the holy Eid-ul-Fitr to drum up public support in favour of a neutral government to conduct the next general election, according to party sources.
The BNP, which boycotted the January 5, 2014 polls, is yet to decide details of the programme, but it may include tour programme for central leaders and rallies at the district and upazila levels across the country.
It would depend on the prevailing situation, said a senior leader.
When contacted, BNP standing committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain admitted that they would launch a mass contact programme after Eid in favour of an election-time supportive government.
Asked about party chairperson Khaleda Zia’s indication to launch a movement after Eid, Hossain said all their activities are part of the movement that she might have meant. “We'll carry out a peaceful programme on holding a free and fair poll under a non-partisan government. However, the nature of the programme will depend on the behaviour of the government,” he added.
The former minister said earlier that they would ask the Election Commission (EC) to create a level playing field for all parties. “An election-time supportive government is needed to ensure a level playing field to hold a fair and credible election,” he added.
Asked when the BNP would place its outline on election-time government, the BNP leader said they would place it at an appropriate time with the polls approaching.
Replying to a question, Hossain said the party would decide whether it would take part in a dialogue with the EC at the party forum after receiving invitation.
Another standing committee member, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, said even now the BNP is carrying out a movement by voicing its demand for an election-time supportive government, strengthening the EC, and opposing the Rampal power plant and anti-people proposals in the budget.
“The BNP chairperson’s call for a movement doesn't mean unleashing anarchy on the streets.
Rather, we'll carry out a peaceful programme. We'll place our proposal for an election-time supportive government after Eid.
We'll hold open discussions and meetings to drum up support for it,” he added.
The BNP leader said they want to involve the people in its demand for an election-time neutral government to hold a free and fair poll.
“The people are being prepared mentally as we are carrying out political activities with a positive approach.
They will decide as to how the demand for a free and credible election will be realised,” he added.
