Reforms in EC, CA a must for free, fair polls

Herve Jouanjeam, deputy director general for Asia and Latin America, European Commission, called on Leader of the Opposition in parliament and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina at her Sudha Sadan residence in the city yesterday

Militancy, law and order, electoral reforms proposed by the opposition and upcoming election came up during the discussion, opposition leader's political secretary Saber Hossain Chowdhury told reporters after an hour-long meeting held at Sudha Sadan.

Hasina, also the Awami League president, told the delegation that the alliance government must accept their proposals for reforms in the caretaker government system and the Election Commission to ensure a free and fair election.

She categorically said that her party considers the upcoming general election as a means of ensuring accountability while the BNP-Jamaat alliance sees it as a way to protect itself from public wrath, meeting sources said.

Talking to reporters, Saber said, "We have discussed our electoral reform proposals and told them that the proposals are not our party's demands. It is the demand of the countrymen who want a free and fair election."

He said the opposition leader in her speech in parliament demanded arrest of the 'godfathers' and patrons of militant kingpins Shaekh Abdur Rahman and Bangla Bhai, but they are still at large.

"Those who patronised the militants and provided financial and administrative support are not arrested yet," Saber added.

He said the AL leaders told the delegation that the prime minister makes different remarks on the issue of militancy on different occasions.

"When she talks to foreigners, she says there is no place for militancy in the country. On the other hand, when she speaks at public meetings, she blames the opposition for terrorism and accuses a neighbouring country for hatching a conspiracy," Saber said.

Herve Jouanjeam, however, did not make any comment to reporters on the outcome of the meeting.

EU Ambassador Stefan Frowein, EC's Bangladesh Desk Officer Ana Beatriz Martins and Head of Press and Political Affairs, EC, in Dhaka Charles Whitley accompanied Jouanjeam at the meeting.

AL presidium member Kazi Jafar Ullah, International Affairs Secretary Syed Abul Hossain, former ambassador Ziauddin and Dr Hasan Mahmud were also present.