President hopes strong EC would be formed

President Abdul Hamid expressed the hope that formation of a strong and effective Election Commission (EC) would be possible on the basis of the opinion and proposals of political parties.

"Political parties have given well-thought-out proposals and opinion about the formation of search committee and Election Commission during the talks with me," he said adding that it would be possible to form a strong and effective EC on the basis of their opinion and proposals.

The President made the remarks while talking to leaders of Bangladesh Islami Front (BIF), Zaker Party (ZP) and Bangladesh Muslim League (BML) who separately met him at Bangabhaban here today, President`s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told reporters.

President Hamid urged all political parties to come forward with cooperative mentality to take the country`s democratic journey ahead.

During the talks with the President, BIF placed a 6-point proposal, BML put forward a 4-point proposal while ZP came up with a 8-point proposal for formation of a search committee and EC.

The nine-member delegation of BIF, led by its secretary general MA Matin, proposed setting up a separate secretariat for EC. BIF leaders said only a strong, independent and neutral EC can hold free, fair and credible elections in the country.

The BML delegation proposed formation of the new EC with people who are free from political influence and capable of taking decision independently. It also proposed inclusion of a women`s representative in the EC.

In their 8-point proposal, ZP proposed formation of a search committee incorporating representatives from all registered political parties for constitution of EC. It also proposed that a woman representative be kept in the EC.

Secretaries concerned to the President were present.

The President initiated the formal talks with political parties about the EC formation with discussions with BNP on December 18 last year.

He took the dialogue initiative as the tenure of the current Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad-led EC expires in February.