BNP issues violence threat

Dhaka, Oct 4 – The government will be responsible for any 'violent situation' arising in an election held without a caretaker government, says a senior BNP leader.

Charging the government for kicking off a controversy over the next election issue, BNP standing committee member Khandker Mosharraf Hossain said at a meeting on Tuesday, "The prime minister said in New York that 'there is no room for any discussion. Election will be under a political government'. Such comments are throwing the country into conflict."

Speaking at a discussion titled 'Fifth Amendment to the Constitution and Citizens' opinion', organised by Nagorik Society at the National Press Club, he also said that his party would protest if Awami League tried to impose any 'one-sided election' on the people.

"Hold a fair election after reinstating the caretaker government system," he said and urged the government to refrain from holding any partisan poll.

The provision of caretaker government was abolished through the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution based on a recommendation of the Supreme Court, though the verdict also said that next two polls could be held under the caretakers. The opposition has been protesting for the reinstatement of the system.

However, after the amendment to the constitution, the next national election is destined to be held under a political government.

"BNP will not attend any election without a caretaker or under a political government. Our leader made it clear on Sep 27 itself," Mosharraf said.

"Awami League held a partisan election in 1973, but could not remain in power. The same happened in 1990 with the autocratic government of H M Ershad."

Jahangirnagar University professor Kazi Abdus Samad read out the key note paper at the meeting.