Bangladesh News

Dhaka, (UNB)-Opposition leader Sheikh Hasina Tuesday night alleged the government backed out from its alternative proposal given during the dialogue and asked the people to be prepared with whatever they have for a greater agitation for free and fair election.

After a long meeting with 14-party leaders at her Dhanmondi residence, Hasina said BNP secretary general Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan had proposed CEC Justice Aziz’ name as Chief Advisor, in place of Justice KM Hasan, but finally “BNP has backtracked” from its proposal.

“We cannot accept Justice Aziz (as Chief Advisor) because he is already a controversial man and holding two posts of profit, and he is accused of contempt of court,” she told reporters.

Hasina said that, according to the Constitution, a person cannot hold two profitable posts. Besides, contempt proceedings are on against Justice Aziz.

The Leader of the Opposition observed that the BNP secretary general has shifted from his previous position. “And BNP stuck to its position on Justice Hasan, pushing the nation towards confrontation. BNP will have to take the responsibility for the evolving situation.”

Hasina once again said that Justice KM Hasan is not acceptable to the people because he is “loyal to BNP”.

The opposition leader said excepting KK Hasan, any person within the ambit of the Constitution might be acceptable.

She noted that the people of this country would be the source of all power from the midnight of October 27. She said the people would have to remain prepared so a “partisan man” cannot be caretaker-government chief.

“ We don’t want confrontation. We still are holding patience. But our patience should not be seen as our weakness,” she told the reporters.

The Awami League chief regretted that despite several phone calls made by her party general secretary Jalil, there was no response from Bhuiyan’s side.

Indicating uncertainties looming large over the much-orchestrated dialogue on electoral reforms, Jalil told the reporters that the BNP does not want to sit for dialogue anymore. He said the movement would have to be carried on.

Announcing their next step, he said the AL-led 14-party combine would hold a mass rally at Paltan Maidan on October 28-30, which is the transitional period after the end of the tenure of the BNP-led coalition government.