Staff Correspondent:

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has called on the interim government to immediately inform the Election Commission (EC) of its decision to hold the national election in February.

“We call on the interim government, on behalf of the people and in support of democracy, to take the necessary steps so that we can move quickly towards a democratic transformation.” he said at a discussion organised by Nagorik Oikya at the Jatiya Press Club on Monday.

Referring to the closed-door meeting in London between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman last Friday, Salah Uddin said, “Based on that London meeting, the decision that has been made should be communicated to the Election Commission very soon, following due process. So that the commission can publicly say they have received an advisory or directive message from the government.”

He added that the interim government would require ratification from the next elected parliament, as per constitutional obligations.

Responding to a question from Revolutionary Workers Party leader Saiful Haque, Salah Uddin dismissed any suggestion that the London talks included a discussion on impunity for any individual.

“No, there was no discussion regarding anyone’s impunity during the talks in London,” he said.

The BNP leader added, “The advisory council of the interim government has been formed under Article 106 and in accordance with the Supreme Court’s advisory ruling. The chief adviser and the advisory council—since the constitution is currently in effect—are functioning within the constitutional framework.”

He emphasised that, according to the constitution, the advisers enjoy the status of ministers, and anyone holding such a post must meet the qualifications required of a Member of Parliament under Article 66, which prohibits foreign citizenship among other disqualifications.

“The interim government must keep in mind that this arrangement will need ratification in the next parliament,” he said.

“If ratification is required, we will consider how that legitimacy will be granted, in what place, and in what manner,” he added.