Desk Report,
Fears about holding elections due to instability: Jonayed Saki
The chief coordinator of the Mass Solidarity Movement, Jonayed Saki, said that due to the ongoing unrest in the country, it seems that clouds are coming again in the political sky, which is creating some kind of fear about the elections. He told reporters after a meeting of political parties with Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus in Jamuna on Wednesday afternoon.
Fears about holding elections due to instability: Jonayed Saki
Jonayed Saki said that justice, reform and elections must go together. This will lead to a democratic political transition. This is now the main national interest of Bangladesh. Therefore, if any kind of activity harms justice, reform and elections, it goes against the national interest of Bangladesh. Therefore, the people must unite. The chief coordinator of the Mass Solidarity Movement believes that the election date needs to be announced on August 5 or as soon as possible thereafter. He said that the government should create a level playing field (equal opportunities for all). The government should make its neutrality visible by treating political parties as fairly as possible.
At that time, Jonayed Saki said that he had called on the chief advisor to publish the list of casualties in a way that the public can trust. He also called for compensation for the victims and a transparent investigation into the incident if there was negligence. Earlier, at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, after the 18th day of discussions with political parties and alliances on the second phase of the National Consensus Commission, Jonayed Saki told reporters that it has been decided to form a constitutional committee consisting of representatives of the government, opposition parties and the judiciary, who will propose names to the President for appointment as the Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners. The political parties have reached a consensus on this issue. Today is an important day in the history of Bangladesh.
Jonayed Saki said, “Earlier, we took several other important decisions in the Consensus Commission, which were historic. However, I think today’s decision is a step forward. We have been making this demand for a long time, especially since the so-called 2014 elections, when serious questions began to arise about the role of the Election Commission.
Stating that a balance of power is essential to ensure the transparency and impartiality of the Election Commission, the Chief Coordinator of the Mass Solidarity Movement said, “If the appointment is only in the hands of the Prime Minister or the Executive (Executive Department), then the constitutional institutions cannot function independently. Rather, they become loyal to the party government. This is what we have said repeatedly.”
Jonayed Saki said that behind today’s decision is a long-standing political movement and pressure. He said, “We have been fighting this fight for a long time, for the democratic reconstruction of the state system and the establishment of a new political settlement. In addition to our party Mass Solidarity Movement, many other political parties have joined this fight step by step.”
The Chief Coordinator of the Mass Solidarity Movement expressed optimism that in the future this structure will take a more institutionalized form and will be included in the constitution through the parliament. He said, “We believe that if such fundamental reforms are added, it will be possible to establish a democratic constitution. Through this, we will be able to succeed in building a balanced, democratic state.”
