Pledge must for a code of conduct before polls

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Stressing institutional reforms for a ‘meaningful democracy’, leaders of pro-Saifur faction of BNP yesterday said all political parties should become pledge bound through formulating a ‘code of conduct for political activities’ before the poll, so the people’s verdict is reflected on the post election system of governance.

Demanding implementation of the announced electoral roadmap they also asked the military backed interim government to stop ‘harassing’ political leaders, demanded lifting of the emergency, and urged it to allow political activities so the parties may prepare for the election.

Alluding to pro-Khaleda faction leaders, some pro-Saifur former lawmakers said those who want to bring back politics of criminals and black money using the name of Khaleda Zia, will not succeed.

They however demanded immediate release of detained BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Many former lawmakers and leaders of the faction joined a post dialogue meeting of the faction yesterday in a Gulshan community centre in the capital with their Acting Secretary General Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed in the chair. About 70 former lawmakers of the faction attended the meeting.

“We want institutional reforms and reforms in the system of governance,” said Saifur Rahman, acting chairman of the faction, who attended the meeting despite being ill.

In an unusual public appearance in a lungi, former finance minister Saifur arrived at the meeting venue resting on the shoulders of his party colleagues, looking visibly sick. When he spoke, an associate had to hold the microphone for him.

“We want a kind of politics where nobody will boycott the parliament and we also want to see the culture of partisanship coming to an end,” he said.

Demanding an election as soon as possible, Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, a key leader of the faction who had been expelled by the detained party chairperson, said there is no alternative to an election as the country cannot move forward without an elected democratic government. On the party’s unity, he said it is a must.

Suggesting introduction of food rationing system for lower income group people and expansion of social safety net programmes, he said the government should make all out efforts to bring down the prices of essentials.

Bhuiyan urged leaders of both the factions to refrain from making remarks that might end up damaging the party’s image.

Maj (retd) Hafiz once again emphasised on a ‘code of conduct for political activities’ so the country might get ‘a good system of governance’ after polls.

“We want effective and elected committees at every levels of the party,” he said adding that there are many leaders at the top of the party who do not have any relation with the people.

SA Sultan Titu, also a former lawmaker, said the people are ‘hypnotized’ right now, so they are treating the ‘reformist’ leaders as renegades.

Fazlul Azim said, “We want to help the government in holding a meaningful election. The government should also take measures so the party leaders may go to their areas.”

Zahriuddin Swapan said political partiers are now ‘unitedly assisting the government in restoring democracy’.

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