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Opposition demands independent EC

Leaders at round table call for reform of caretaker system

Staff Correspondent
Leaders of different political parties including the main opposition Awami League (AL) yesterday demanded an Election Commission (EC) totally free from government influence to ensure holding of the next general elections in a transpar-
ent way.
The functions of a caretaker government also have to be specified clearly to avoid criticisms that followed the last three general elections, the leaders said at a roundtable organised by the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Inu).
They suggested the EC should have a separate secretariat so that it could discharge its duties without being influenced by the government.
The leaders also agreed to sit for a
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dialogue on October 26 to draw up an outline of a free and fair election.
AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil said the concept of caretaker government has to be reformed as it gave rise to criticism of general elections held under it.
"Caretaker government was conceived to ensure holding of free and fair general elections but after three general elections, we have found many flaws in the activities of caretaker governments," said Jalil.
He also criticised the then president Shahabuddin Ahmed for not consulting political parties in appointing advisers to the caretaker government in 2001, and also for making some retired civil servants advisers.
Jalil demanded a separate secretariat for the EC so that it could discharge its duties independently.
Criticising the government for raising the age limit of Supreme Court (SC) judges, he said, "The government has increased their age limit to 67 from 65 to appoint a person of its choice as the head of the next caretaker government."
The AL leader also said due to flaws in the electoral process, the present parliament has become a place of businessmen, who comprise 60 to 70 percent of its members.
Jalil said there should be a 'single transparent ballot box' in each polling centre in the next general elections to avoid rigging. And no elections can be held under the present chief election commissioner (CEC), he added.
Workers Party President Rashed
Khan Menon also demanded a separate secretariat for the EC to enable it to hold free and fair polls.
"We have to examine whether people holding constitutional posts perform their duties accordingly," Menon said.
President of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Monjurul Ahsan Khan said corruption is eating into not only the election process but also the political system in the country.
The election process must be freed from money and muscle power in the interest of free franchise, he said.
President of polls watchdog Fema Munira Khan said, "If the Election Commission (EC) is free from government influence, there is no need of caretaker administration."
Former CEC justice MA Rouf said every voter should be given identity card for holding a transparent general election.
JSD President Hasanul Haque Inu said the activities of a caretaker government must be specified clearly, and the EC should be equipped with 'executive powers' to ensure holding elections in a transparent manner.
He also opposed any elections under the present CEC saying his activities are questionable.
Others who spoke included JSD General Secretary Syed Zafar Sajjad, JSD leader Mainuddin Khan Badal, Gono Forum General Secretary Saifuddin Ahmed Manik, Jatiya Party leader Sadeque
Siddique.