No further dialogues with political parties before elections: EC Anisur

The Election Commission (EC) has shown no inclination to engage in any dialogue with the political parties prior to the 12th parliamentary elections.

"The commission firmly believes that political issues should be resolved through political means," Election Commissioner Md Anisur Rahman said while talking to the media at his office in the Nirbachon Bhaban on Tuesday.

In reply to a query about whether BNP will be invited for any dialogue, he said, "We are not considering any dialogue. We do not believe there is a necessity for a dialogue with political parties. Political issues will be resolved politically. BNP did not come to sit with us and did not even respond to our call."

Four months after taking up office, the EC invited the registered political parties for dialogue. However, political parties like the BNP and like-minded parties did not attend the dialogue. Despite making another effort, they again refrained from participating. Moreover, when the commission sent them another letter, they did not even respond to it.

Asked whether the EC will take any initiative to resolve the ongoing political crisis, Election Commissioner Anisur said "There is no opportunity to go beyond the Constitution. However, we will proceed with the electoral process promptly, announcing the poll schedule on time."

"Regardless of how bad the situation becomes during the elections, we, as well as the political parties, will remain under pressure. All parties will hopefully participate in the national elections."

When asked about the poll schedule, he said "We will declare the poll schedule 45 days prior to the voting, with an assumption that it will be held in January's first week or in December's last week. I am not talking about October."

Regarding any pressures in works under the government, the commissioner said, "So far, we have not faced any hindrances from the government. We are currently functioning smoothly. We hope to continue working in this manner in the future too."

Besides, there will be no by-elections in the current National Parliament, he added.