'Election not conditional on reforms; must be held as scheduled'
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today said the national election must take place in the first half of February without any conditions attached.
While briefing journalists after attending today's meeting involving the National Consensus Commission, the chief adviser, and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy, Salahuddin said, "There is no alternative. The election is not conditional on reforms or justice. Reforms will continue, judicial processes will continue, but the election must be held as scheduled."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. He added that any uncertainty about the polls could threaten national and even regional security.
"This is the firm determination of the chief adviser, the advisory council, and the nation. We must hold a free, fair, and impartial election in February and set an example for the world," he said.
Salahuddin also said that his party had already submitted the names of two representatives to sign the July National Charter.
"We are prepared to sign the charter. Some corrections and observations remain, but nothing major," he added.
Calling the July Charter a "historic and nationally significant document," he urged the chief adviser to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court's Appellate Division to ensure the legal basis of implementing the charter, so that it cannot be challenged in the future.
He also suggested the chief adviser hold smaller follow-up meetings with political parties to resolve outstanding issues.
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