Mirza Abbas casts doubt if election will be held in time

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday expressed his doubts over holding the election timely in line with people's expectations.

"The Election Commission will conduct the election as per people's expectations. Prof Muhammad Yunus has placed us in an embarrassing situation by suggesting that the election will be held in December or June. But, I have doubts over whether the interim government will hold the election timely in line with people's expectations as some cohorts of Awami League are trying to mislead the chief adviser to disrupt the polls," Mirza Abbas said while addressing a programme titled 'Democracy, Reform and Reality in the Current Context' at the Jatiya Press Club. Ganatantra Forum organised the discussion programme.

Abbas pointed out, "After the chief adviser's statement to hold the election by December, one of his officials had stated it would take place by June. He (CA) later endorsed it. So, there is quite a strong argument to be made that this is an effort to prevent the election from taking place," he added.
The BNP leader said there is a saying-hope for the best and prepare for the worst. "From that worst-case thinking, I believe the government probably won't hold elections anytime soon. I see no indication of that happening. This is my personal opinion, not my party's."

He, however, still hopes the government will take steps towards holding the election in line with the people's aspirations. "There's no alternative to the election."

Abbas said BNP wants both reforms and elections. "But there is no need for unnecessary reforms beyond what the people require. Elections are the alternative to elections. We must hold the election after implementing the reforms necessary for the people of the country."