No need to place new framework of neutral govt: Faruk

Opposition Chief Whip Joynal Abedin Faruk has opined that there is no need to place a new framework of the neutral government. It existed in the Constitution but the Awami League-led government has created the problem through amendment of the Constitution. Joynal Abedin Faruk said this at an exclusive interview with risingbd.com recently. Reza Parvez, a staff reporter, interviewed him that are mentioned below.

Risingbd:  How it can be possible to break the deadlock over the poll-time government?

 

Joynal Abedin Faruk:  It is truth that the caretaker government system paved the way for making the general elections free and fair, particularly free from ruling government influence. It was a settle issue and but it is unfortunate that Awami League has created the problem through amendment of the Constitution.  Awami League always thinks that they don’t do any wrong.  But, it is the question why they amended the Constitution if they have trusts on people.      

 

BNP always believes that the fundamental basis of formation of government in democracy is election. If this election is not free and fair, the formation of government cannot be said to fulfill the norms of democracy.  If the election process becomes free and fair, people will see their voting rights. BNP is always ready to hold talks about poll-time government in a bid to ensure free and fair general election. In the circumstance, the government should have come ahead for holding talks. But it is unfortunate that Awami League is conspiring and wasting time through staging different dramas one after another. Basically, they want to hold a one-sided election.

 
Risingbd: Why caretaker government system is important to make general election free and fair.

 

Joynal Abedin Faruk: The caretaker government system ensures that no party government can continue in power during the general election, there remains no scope of manipulation of public purse and properties by the party in power. People of Bangladesh understood this for the first time during the rule of Justice Sahabuddin Ahmed.  Later, Awami League and Jamaat waged movement for the caretaker government system and it was introduced through the 13th amendment. So, at present it need not to place new framework of caretaker government.  Now only the government can amend the Constitution to restore the system in a bid to arrange a fair and free election.     
 

 

Risingbd: It is known that caretaker government system is absent in many democratic countries and the governments are being changed through elections. What is opinion about this?

 

Joynal Abedin Faruk: It is a common trend in the politics of almost all developing countries that during the election period the party in power makes the worst abuse of public purse and properties to get the victory in their favour. Recently, the general election of Pakistan was held under caretaker government. In the perspective, Bangladesh set an example in the world but the Awami League has destroyed the example.     

 

Risingbd: The government says that they have succeeded in holding all local body elections in fair way and the opposition won many elections. How you will describe the subject?

 

Joynal Abedin Faruk: Local body election and general election are not same.  A local body government conducts a limited area, but the government conducts whole the country.

 

Risingbd: The ruling party has said the general election will be held as per present Constitution. On the other hand, the opposition has said they will not participate in the election under Hasina-led any government. Many experts see that the country is going to deep crisis.  Do you agree about this?
Joynal Abedin Faruk: BNP doesn’t believe in violence and terrorism.  Awami League has history of violence and is continuing its history to create such kind of environment in the country.  

 

Risingbd: Political parties in our country have no trust each other. Do you think we should come back from political culture?

 

Joynal Abedin Faruk: This situation will be improved gradually as political parities are becoming awareness about the issue.
   
Risingbd:  Is there any possibility to come back from your CG demand due to pressure from high levels?
Joynal Abedin Faruk: No possibility.  Awami League has arranged the administration with their supporters to hold a managed poll. There is no possibility to hold a neutral general election under present Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in power. So, BNP will not participate in such kind of election.

Risingbd: There is an allegation that your party had no comments on verdicts of International Crimes Tribunal.   What is your opinion?

 

Joynal Abedin Faruk: No comment.

 

Risingbd: Thank for your interview

 

Joynal Abedin Faruk: Thanks, I wish success of Risingbd.

risingbd/MAM