The Election Commission’s sudden move to hold talks with the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has created a buzz in the political sphere. The BNP, however, turned down the invitation this time too. The party is adamant that it will not hold any discussion with the Election Commission. BNP has repeatedly clarified its stand. Despite this, why has the Election Commission invited him? Many have raised questions.
The Election Commission sent a letter to the BNP on Thursday. Speaking to Prothom Alo, a senior BNP leader said that they are a bit puzzled as to why the Election Commission has invited them, although the commission has a clear concept about the BNP’s stand. The BNP has been assessing whether the Election Commission has a strategy behind it.
Prothom Alo has contacted three Election Commissioners Mohd Anisur Rahman, Mohd Alamgir and Mohd Ahsan Habib Khan regarding the sudden call of BNP. They all have similar reactions. He said that BNP has been invited after discussion in the commission. Such a decision has been taken in the interest of fair and participative elections.
The Election Commission had held talks with registered political parties in the middle of last year. At that time 27 out of 39 political parties had joined the dialogue. Twelve parties, including the BNP, rejected the talks.
Diplomats from Western countries, including the US, have increased contact with political parties, lobbying to ensure participation of all parties in the elections. Leaders of political parties are meeting foreign diplomats. In such a situation, some kind of pressure is being put on the government and the Election Commission to bring the opposition party in the elections. Many analysts believe that the Election Commission wants to give the impression that an attempt is being made to bring the BNP to the discussion table.