An Ordinary Citizen

Khaleda Zia in a press conference on 19th November 2008 declared that BNP is willing to participate in the general election if the schedule in reset on 28th December 2008. She also put forward 3 point demands to fulfil. one is withdrawal of emergency from the date of nomination, cancellation of clause no RPO 91/e where Election Commission has given absolute power to cancel one’s candidacy and to defer the upazillaelection by 1 month. But in spirit she didn’t make it mandatory for the government or the election commission to accept the demands in 100% as a precondition in joining BNP in the election.

The election commission, political parties and people took the development as a positive one. CECand his team sat with the leaders of BNP yesterday and expressed hope for an election with participation of all parties.

But response from  AL towards the new development is guarded. They said that 18th December 2008 is the prime time for the general election. To delay this date means to extend the emergency, etc.

But people and all are waiting for an election where all the parties will participate  and people will be able to vote without any reservation or fear.

If the election is deferred for 10 days, there will be nothing to lose for AL, rather if she accepts it, it will be a sign of magnanimity, pragmatism and confidence on the part of AL.

An ordinary citizen