Free and fair election possible under present government

 Even on polling day the opposition party raised allegationsthat the elections under present government would not be free and fair and reiterated their resolve not participate in the upcoming elections if the same is conducted under the present government.

After results of the city corporation elections came to be known, BNP seems to be having second thoughts whether to participate in the ruling government conducted parliamentary elections or not as the party backed candidates have won defeating the government supported candidates by comfortable margin. BNP leaders feel elated with their resounding success in the local elections and are now inclined to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections under the existing government.

Awami League-led government is not ready to concede to BNP’ demand to revert to the caretaker government system for the purpose of holding parliamentary elections. The city corporation elections smoothly conducted recently by the government have further consolidated the government stand on this issue. The Awami League supported candidates faced defeat in this election and the government remained neutral. The defeated Mayoral candidates did not come out on the roads to protest; rather they went to meet and congratulate their opponents and gracefully accepted their defeat.

In response to Speaker’s appeal the BNP is now attending parliamentary sessions. Unlike the past, a congenial atmosphere is prevailing in parliament now. Although the BNP is harping on restoration of caretaker government system, it has realized that if it decides to boycott the election, a section of its leaders in favour of participating in elections may desert the party. The party will be decimated in the long run. The Prime Minister is confident that free and fair election is possible under the existing government. It is the government’s responsibility to make the elections credible and acceptable to all.