Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed on Tuesday urged Jamaat-e-Islami not to create any obstacles regarding the proportional representation (PR) election system.
“The focus should be on holding a free and fair election rather than running debates on the PR system,” he told reporters at a press briefing held at the LDP central office in Dhaka.
He called upon all political parties to remain united and work together for the country’s progress by avoiding actions that create unrest or division.
“The national election is expected to be held in February, but some political parties are trying to divide the nation,” Oli Ahmed said.
Stressing the need for holding the elections at the earliest, the LDP leader said, “The delay in arranging the polls will merely benefit ‘dictator Hasina’. So, the election should be held as soon as possible.”
He alleged that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina is making plans every day from India to create obstacles to the path of Bangladesh’s progress.
Oli also said that reports of Awami League running its office in India reflected the party’s deep ties with the neighbouring country, which he claimed has long hindered Bangladesh’s progress.
Reiterating his demand for the arrest of traitors, Ahmed urged law enforcement agencies to stop any street unrest immediately.
He also claimed that Hasina’s close associates still hold key government posts, calling it a major obstacle to a fair election.
Mentioning the name of the RAJUK, he said it is such a department where no work is done without bribes.
“Corruption can be eradicated if the government and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) work together,” he said.
The LDP chief praised the interim government for announcing the election timeframe, but criticised its failure to recover illegal arms in the last one year and resolve political cases filed during Hasina’s rule.
He stressed that bringing public attention back to the upcoming election is vital to overcoming the current political crisis. Senior LDP leaders were present at the press conference.