DHAKA, Jan 11, 2020 (BSS) – Describing as unfortunate the bar on members of parliament in joining election campaigns in the two city corporations polls, 14-Party Alliance Spokesperson Mohammed Nasim today laid stress on amending the electoral law to enable the public representatives to campaign for their candidates.
He came up with the remarks during a press conference after attending a meeting held at his residence in city’s Dhanmondi area.
“Why a MP, who is also a party leader, cannot take part in election campaign. . . it cannot happen. Such a law cannot ensure level-playing field for all. We must be allowed to carry out polls campaign by amending this law,” said Nasim, also Awami League (AL) Presidium Member.
“The concerned election law must be amended to ensure equal opportunity for all,” he added.
AL Advisory Council Member Amir Hossain Amu, who was also present on the occasion, said the 14-party will hold public meetings in different parts of the city to curry support for the AL-nominated candidates in the upcoming city corporations polls slated for January 30.
It is unfortunate that the members of parliament cannot conduct election campaigns in the city polls according to the directive of the Election Commission (EC), he said, adding that it should be considered to annul this law for ensuring level playing field.
“This city polls might be the local government election but there is no scope to say it as an apolitical one,” he added.
As anti-liberation and militant forces (BNP-Jamaat) are taking part in the forthcoming city polls, the 14-party alliance leaders cannot sit idle, he added.
“I advise all (candidates) to carry out door to door campaigns to win the polls,” Amu said.
Keeping in mind that BNP cannot win the polls, they (BNP) are participating in the elections, orchestrating propaganda by capitalizing on the polls, he said.
Castigating BNP leaders for their wrong-doings, Amu said they boycotted the elections in the past.
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasod) President Hasanul Haq Inu, Sammaybadi Dal General Secretary Dilip Barua and 14-party alliance leaders S K Shikdar, Dr Shahadat Hossain and Nader Chowdhury were present, among others, on the occasion.