DHAKA: Nagarik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna said the Prime Minister’s speech on the upcoming general elections disappointed people as the electoral process lack roadmap.

He made the remarks at a press conference in the national press club on Monday (January 15) organized by Nagarik Oikya, a citizen’s body. 

Manna said many have expressed optimism on the word ‘Polls-time government’ used by PM Hasina during the end of her speech to nation. However, we have found nothing in that word to be hopeful. 

“Influential ministers of the government are saying that the cabinet council will be curtailed during election which will be called the ‘polls-time government’. So that means PM’s use of that word is nothing but a distraction to the people because there is no such thing as a ‘polls-time government’ in the constitution.”

Mentioning that the next election will not be fair while keeping the parliament active, he said, “The premier, in her speech, said all registered political parties should participate in the polls to ensure the flow of democracy. We want to say that a level playing field must be created for all parties’ participation. For that, election must be held under a nonpartisan neutral government without parliament. A parliamentary election can not be held by keeping another parliament intact.”

Criticizing government’s activities of the past four years, he also said inefficiency has been found in all sectors including economy, education, women security, Energy and controlling product prices. Many of these sectors are almost destroyed due to corruption and extra judicial killings have also risen in this government’s tenure. 

Nagarik Oikyo central committee members were also present at the press conference.

BDST: 1440 HRS, JAN 15, 2018
AP/SMS