The BNP yesterday skipped the Election Commission's dialogue seeking recommendations of political parties on how to hold a free and fair general election.
BNP leaders stated that they boycotted the talks because it was impossible for the Election Commission (EC) to conduct a free and fair election under the incumbent government.
Election commissioners stated yesterday that they would "wait" for the BNP until the election and might contact opposition parties "time and again."
Late last month, the BNP and several other parties skipped the EC's views-exchange programmes on electronic voting machines.
BNP Standing Committee Member Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain stated, "Our decision is that we will not join an election under the current government. We have not joined the process of forming this Election Commission, have not given them recognition, and have not taken part in any activities of the commission. We have not changed our stance and that is why we did not join the talks."
While speaking to reporters at the Election Commission office, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal stated that he would not comment on whether the commission intends to implement special measures to bring the BNP into the dialogue.
Election Commissioner Md Alamgir stated, "It would have been better if they [the BNP] joined the talks." He added that the discussions are proceeding well because political parties are providing thoughtful opinions, which will assist the commission in holding a better election.
"We are repeatedly taking initiatives to [bring the BNP to the talks]. We will contact them time and again."
The Election Commission's latest discussions with political parties commenced on Sunday. Eleven parties have taken part in the talks, while the BNP, the Bangladesh Kalyan Party, and the Bangladesh Muslim League have boycotted them.
On March 13, the EC began another round of talks with a cross-section of people, including educationists, civil society members, journalists, former CECs and ECs, and local election observers.
The CEC stated yesterday that ensuring every voter can freely cast their ballot is truly their sole responsibility and serves as the foundation of democracy. Emphasizing that everyone's cooperation is required for this, the CEC added, "Every party has said they believe in political consensus. Whether there is consensus or not, we said we will continue our efforts."
Why it matters
The BNP's boycott of the Election Commission dialogue deepens the political standoff over the framework for future general elections in Bangladesh.