Awami League has proposed to the President to make a law in accordance with the provisions of the constitution for the formation of the Election Commission (EC).

Obaidul Quader, general secretary of the party, said this at a press conference after leaving the dialogue at Bangabhaban on Monday (January 17). The press conference was held at the party's central office.

He said that the process of formation of Election Commission has to follow that system. Asked whether the law would be passed in this session, he said the present parliament would make every effort to get the law passed since it is people's demand. Every effort will be made. There is no problem to try.

In a written statement, Obaidul Quader said the Awami League respects the constitution and law of the country. Bangladesh Awami League has full confidence and trust in the deep knowledge, wisdom and discretion of the President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh in his long political life. We have full confidence in any just initiative taken by the President. The Election Commission is a constitutional body. The main provisions related to the Election Commission are mentioned in the Constitution of the highest law of the country (Articles 118-126).

In today's meeting we have raised a number of proposals regarding the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.

The proposals are: The President shall appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners in accordance with the provisions of Article 118 of the Constitution.

>> In the process of appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners as the President deems fit, in the process he will appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.

>> Appropriate law may be enacted subject to the provisions of Article 118 of the Constitution for the purpose of appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. As there is no such law at present, according to the provisions of Article 118 of the Constitution, the President has no obligation to abide by any law other than the Constitution in appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners. However, in order to uphold the constitutional spirit, the law is required to determine the qualifications and disqualifications of the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners and their appointment process. Any law regarding the formation of the Election Commission will be a special kind of law according to the constitutional provisions. There was no specific example in our political culture for this particular type of legislation. The Awami League is the only party to establish a political consensus on the formation of the Election Commission.

This constitutional practice is the formation of the Election Commission on the basis of the views and participation of all through the formation of the Search Committee / Inquiry Committee. This system has been practiced twice so far (2012 and 2017) and the Election Commission has been formed accordingly. Twice the representatives of all the political parties and civil society of the country participated in this exercise. In this case, a law may be enacted in the light of this practice and in light of Article 118 of the Constitution from this procedural experience.

>> In the interest of fair, free, neutral and transparent elections, it is necessary to ensure the use of more information technology in all elections.

A 10-member Awami League delegation led by party president Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina entered Bangabhaban at 3:56 pm.

AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, a member of the presidium of Bangladesh Awami League and the mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation, has commented that the image of Bangladesh Awami League president and Bangabandhu's daughter Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been brightened at home and abroad as well as internationally.

He made this comment on Thursday (September 28) after distributing food among the needy and pedestrians and orphans at Ranibazar Ahle Hadis Madrasah Orphanage and Ranibazar Hafizia Madrasah Orphanage at noon on the occasion of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 77th birthday.

Khairuzzaman Liton said that BNP-Jamaat is actually involved in conspiracy whenever election comes. They are trying to disrupt and controversies the elections by bringing in foreigners, misleading people in various ways. Their efforts will not succeed.

He also said that there is no chance of a caretaker government in the country. Where elections are held in the developed world including India, elections will be held in the same way in Bangladesh. The next election will be held under the interim government. Fair and impartial elections are possible in the country. The Election Commission is playing a strong enough role, will do more. And Awami League is committed to conduct neutral elections.

Liton said, I hope all opposition parties will come to the polls. Participatory elections will be held in a festive atmosphere. The party that the people will vote for in the election will come to power. As an Awami League worker, I hope that the way the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has improved the country's development and socio-economic conditions, people will want my Awami League. We will win again inshallah. To continue the ongoing process of development, we will forget the differences and make whoever the leader nominates win. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been able to establish herself as a successful Prime Minister and a successful statesman.

Liton also said that she has already been recognized as one of the most popular figure in the country in a survey by a foreign organization. More than 70 percent of people love her, want her and respect her. We wish the prime minister long life and future success, we hope that she will recover and take Bangladesh further towards the goal of development.

Earlier at 10:30 am, AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, a member of the presidium of Bangladesh Awami League and the mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation, laid wreaths on the portraits of the four national leaders including Bangabandhu at the independence square of Rajshahi metropolis Awami League office in Kumarpara of the city. After that, he presented the wreath along with the party leaders including the Mahanagara Awami League president, the heroic freedom fighter Mohammad Ali Kamal. After the wreath laying, a prayer ceremony was held at the party office to wish Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's health and longevity. Professor Barkullah bin Durul Huda, a member of the Metropolitan Awami League's advisory committee, led the prayers. Food was distributed among the needy and passers-by in political office premises of after Johar at Ranibazar Ahle Hadis Madrasah Orphanage and Ranibazar Hafizia Madrasah Orphanage. 

The family of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has once again appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking her permanent release and treatment abroad.

On Thursday (September 28), Khaleda Zia's younger brother Shamim Iskandar filed the application.

Law Minister Anisul Haque said at an event in Brahmanbaria on September 23 that an application should be made to the Ministry of Home Affairs to send Khaleda Zia abroad for better treatment. Later, the Law Ministry will consider the matter in the light of the documents. She was granted conditional discharge under section 401 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure with a conditional suspension of her sentence. It is the greatness of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Now if there is any change in the law then the conditional release given to Khaleda Zia must be canceled first.

Attorney General AM Amin Uddin said that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia should apply to go abroad after going to jail. If they want to get advanced treatment abroad, they have to apply again. Then the previous order will be cancelled. She (Khaleda Zia) will not be able to stay out if the order is revoked.

When the corona pandemic started in March 2020, following the family's plea, the government suspended the sentence by executive order and released Khaleda Zia conditionally for six months. Since then, she did not have to go to jail again as her release period increased.

A very disappointing feature of Bangladesh's politics, especially the upcoming national elections, which has been tense and conflict-friendly for several months, is that representatives of civil society are unable to work for peace and reconciliation beyond political approval or party identification. Although in theory, a peaceful solution requires civil society to adopt a neutral perspective, in practice it is elusive. Almost everyone is speaking with specific goals, objectives and vision in mind. Although party politics prevails in this, 'overall public interest' is not given due importance. As a result, along with the fear of conflict, the polarization of civil society, civil society, elites and intellectuals is increasing, which in turn is acting as a catalyst for increasing division, distance and tension between the people.

Due to the existing situation, there is nothing left as a 'buffer zone' or 'neutral zone' in Bangladesh at present. Just hearing the names of individuals, speakers, groups and newspapers, we can close our eyes and say 'which side are they on'? Unbiased statements, holistic consideration, and genuine public interest behavior cannot be expected from biased parties. So no one is able to show the light of hope in the political uncertainty of Bangladesh, this is the harsh reality.

As various political parties have mobilized civil society and intellectuals on their behalf, the international community and development partners are doing the same. As a result, the civil society organizations of Bangladesh are not able to rise above their narrow party identity and group interests and show the way out to the people who are in trouble due to the fear of conflict. Also missing is someone who can be proactive in providing peaceful solutions, extend a hand of compassion to all and help promote peace and stability.

It is a matter of particular misfortune that in reality there is no such acceptable person. Rather, these civil society organizations are helping to spread political violence and poison of hatred. It is accompanied by political hypocrisy and shameless brokering. Therefore, there is no way of release ahead for now. As a result, no one knows where the latent conflict ends.

History shows that only neutral leadership and dialogue between civil society and political representatives can thaw relations. However, in the current reality, there is no trace of mutual trust between the leadership. That's why an alternative is needed. A neutral civil society could be the right alternative. Positive change was possible through their initiative. There was a possibility of peace and reconciliation. But that hope is gradually fading.

Meanwhile, the schedule of national elections in November and voting in January, it is known about the 12th national parliament elections. At the same time, there is a deadlock around the elections. As there is no agreement and consensus among the parties, the voice of civil society is also not raised. A fragmented civil society is unable to organize the people to give them a voice and to smooth the path to democracy through constitutional continuity.

If there is no true democracy in a promising country like Bangladesh, if the parliament is not representative of the majority of people - then public interest and development cannot be ensured. That is why fair election process and democratic process should continue in the country by resolving all disputes. People should be allowed to choose their leadership. Bangladesh cannot be pushed into a long deadlock under any circumstances to realize not only the constitution, but also the nation's dream. The entire country and nation cannot be immersed in the mire of small party political differences.

Those who want to be in the leadership for people-friendly-inclusive development of a democratic and just society must first look at the interests of the country and listen to the people. At the same time, we must be wary of the danger of democratic failure and lack of representative government, and the path to building a just society must also be kept smooth.

If these tasks are neglected, the political crisis will intensify as well as development will be interrupted, poverty will increase, people's economic and social life will fall into a more fragile state. It will also be impossible to protect the poor people. The burden of debt will increase, from which new political and social crises will also be created. Needless to say, the market and inflation cannot be controlled long before the elections. Corruption has increased in society manifold and also in various sectors. These are special omens.

Therefore, social stability and balanced development require a continuous transition to democracy. And that will be possible by ensuring consensus, accountability and transparency in the election system. The conflicting electoral politics of the country must therefore come to a compromise on the way to a peaceful solution. And neutral civil society must stand tall to stop political bickering and create favorable conditions for democracy and elections.

Jatiya Sangsad Opposition Chief Whip Mashiur Rahman Ranga MP said, "I don't know anything about America's visa ban." But I am not unhappy if I am banned.

He gave this reaction to Barta24.com on Monday (September 25).

Moshiur Rahman Ranga said, many people are saying that America has imposed a visa ban on me. I told them, I don't know anything about it. I can hear it in your mouth. I have a 5 years multiple visa. But if banned I will not be unhappy.