The Awami League (AL) party, in a meeting with the EU Election Exploratory Mission, reiterated their strong stance on conducting the upcoming parliamentary election in accordance with constitutional provisions. The ruling party made their position clear during a meeting held at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel in Banani on July 15th.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, who led the nine-member team during the two-hour meeting, emphasized their unwavering commitment to upholding the constitution, stating, “We will not accept any violation of the constitution… The election-time government in Bangladesh, like in other countries around the world, will be formed under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
As per the 15th Amendment, parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place within 90 days before the dissolution of the current parliament. During this period, the parliament will remain in existence but with limited power and functions, while the outgoing cabinet retains its authority during the election. Newly elected lawmakers will assume office after the completion of the outgoing parliament’s five-year tenure.
Quader further stated that there is no possibility of dissolving the parliament, government resignation, or the formation of a caretaker government. The EU delegation, in their meeting with the AL, focused on the expectation of a peaceful and fair election, rather than discussing dialogue or a caretaker government.
The meeting was attended by prominent AL members, including the party’s international affairs subcommittee and former ambassador Muhammad Zamir, international affairs Secretary Dr. Shammi Ahmed, Presidium member Muhammad Farooq Khan, Office Secretary Biplab Barua, Information and Research Secretary Dr. Salim Mahmud, and Executive Committee Members Prof. Mohammad Ali Arafat and Joint General Secretary Dr. Hasan Mahmud.
Earlier in the day, the EU mission held a meeting with the leaders of the BNP before engaging with the Jatiya Party, as part of their visit to Bangladesh.
