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Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday expressed concern that the country still faced a challenge in holding the upcoming national election as political parties were yet to reach a consensus on the democratic transition.

‘At present, there is a challenge. What is that challenge? Although we are now free from fascism, we have perhaps not yet reached a consensus among ourselves on the democratic transition process. There is still time and I hope we will be able to do so through discussions,’ he said.

He made the remarks at a roundtable titled Expectations and Challenges for a Free and Fair Election: The Role of Government, Political Parties and Civil Society organised by citizens’ platform Nagarik Coalition at CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital.

Leaders from different political parties and civil society representatives joined the discussion.

Salahuddin, a BNP standing committee member, said that an independent election commission, an independent judiciary, a caretaker government system and a free press were the real safeguards for free, fair and impartial elections. ‘If these are ensured, there will be no challenge in holding fair elections in the future.’

He said that people expect the next national election to be held in a free, fair and festive atmosphere. ‘Now, challenges are being discussed in terms of arranging the election and the role of civil society. Under the constitution, the Election Commission has the authority to conduct elections independently and all authorities, including the government, are obliged to extend full cooperation.’

The BNP leader said that the Election Commission in the past could not exercise this authority because the executive branch had too much control.

‘That situation does not exist now. Although the caretaker system has not yet been fully restored, the interim government is working in the spirit of that system. Once the caretaker system is formally established, future elections will be held within the stipulated timeframe under it,’ he said.

He said that the interim government had already announced the election schedule and the Election Commission has published its roadmap. ‘So far, election-related activities are progressing within that timeframe. In fact, the delimitation gazette has already been issued ahead of time. All election work and preparations will be completed as scheduled.’

The BNP leader also said that there was no disagreement among political parties about holding the elections in early February next year.

Salahuddin said that the biggest question before the nation was now whether reform, trial and elections were interdependent issues.

He explained that these three were not dependent on each other. ‘Some reforms can be implemented immediately through executive orders and ordinances. Those that cannot be implemented right away should at least be initiated. If this government cannot complete them, the next government will.’

On the proposal of constitutional amendments, Salahuddin said that the national parliament was the only legitimate forum to approve such proposals. ‘There are discussions in the consensus commission on whether there is any other valid process. If the commission finds one, we will agree. But we do not want any example to be created that may later be challenged in court and put decisions into question.’

Speaking about the trial of those involved in mass killings during the mass uprising and democratic movement, Salahuddin said that there could be no time limit for justice. ‘Judicial proceedings must run independently. Whichever government comes, it has to carry forward the process.’

Expressing BNP’s commitment to implementing the July Charter, he said that no political party in Bangladesh would be able to do politics in the future without doing so.

The BNP leader also said the 31-point reform proposals, agreed upon by all parties after months of work, were a political and national commitment of their party.

Salahuddin said that even if there are differing opinions on some points, all parties must work together to implement the reforms for the sake of democracy and free, fair election

He said that the interim government had both achievements and failures, but warned that none of its achievements will matter if it failed to hold a fair election.

Revolutionary Workers Party general secretary Saiful Haque, Ganosamhati Andolon chief coordinator Zonayed Saki, NCP chief organiser for south Hasnat Abdullah, Gono Odhikar Parishad general secretary Rashed Khan, BNP organising secretary Shama Obaed and Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka south city secretary Shafiqul Islam Masud, among others, also spoke at the programme.