Jatiya Party (Manju) yesterday called upon President Abdul Hamid to take effective measures to remove obstacles to future polls being free, fair and credible.
It also suggested appointing the next chief election commissioner from the former CECs or election commissioners as they have experience of administering polls.
The proposal was put forward by the party during talks with the president on reconstitution of the Election Commission.
Party Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju, also the minister for environment and forest, led a 16-member delegation to the meeting at the Bangabhaban.
Meanwhile, the Bangabhaban yesterday invited 11 __more political parties, including the ruling Awami League, for talks on the EC.
Welcoming the JP delegation to the presidential palace, President Hamid said political parties must reach a consensus on holding elections in a free and fair manner. He urged the parties to practice the culture of tolerance so that democratic atmosphere continues to prevail, according to a press release from the Bangabhaban.
Emerging from the hour-long meeting, Manju told reporters that merely a strong EC would not be enough for holding a free and fair election. There should be a consensus among political parties about the issue.
The party suggested appointing election commissioners in phases and picking polls officials for a particular electoral constituency from outside the constituency, he added.
Manju said the president is a very experienced politician.
“All of us, including the ruling, opposition and other political parties outside parliament, will have to accept his [president] well-thought-out decision. How would the election be held if we don't agree with his decision?” the minister questioned.
Hamid so far has sat with nine political parties, including the BNP, since December 18. He is scheduled to have meetings with Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Bangladesh Jatiya Party today.
The tenure of the incumbent EC expires next month.
11 MORE PARTIES INVITED
The president is scheduled to hold dialogues with Bangladesh National Awami Party and Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal on January 4, Communist Party on January 5, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rob) on January 7, Gonotantri Party and Gonoforum on January 8, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal-BSD, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Sharif Ambia) and Islami Andolon Bangladesh on January 9 and Bangladesh Awami League on January 11.