Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday hoped that the President will form a neutral search committee to constitute an impartial and acceptable Election Commission (EC) as he concluded discussions with political parties over the issue.

“We do positive politics. Our chairperson Khaleda Zia has already placed a nice proposal (on EC formation). On the basis of the proposal, the President talked to the political parties.  We now hope he’ll constitute a neutral Commission through forming an impartial search committee for fair polls,” said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

He came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after placing wreaths, led by Khaleda, at their party founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave, marking his 81st birth anniversary.

Asked what will be their party’s action if a neutral search committee is not formed, Fakhrul said, “We’ve already said the country’s people won’t accept if the impartial EC and search committee are not constituted.”

President Abdul Hamid initiated talks with political parties on December 18 over formation of the new Election Commission (EC) as the tenure of the current Commission expires in February next. It ended on Wednesday after talks with 31 registered political parties.

Earlier on Tuesday, the President during talks with the delegations of Khelafat Majlish and Jamiat-e-Ulama e Islam Bangladesh at Bangabhaban urged all the political parties to hold talks among themselves for having a credible general election in the country.

Fakhrul thanked the President for his call for dialogue, and said their party has long been advocating for discussion among the political parties as well.

“Democracy will never be fruitful and effective if the political parties don’t engage in talks. Democracy flourishes through discussion, tolerance and negotiation. It’s our stance. As the President also talked like that, we thank him,” he added.

The BNP secretary general also hoped that Abdul Hamid will take effective steps in this regard.

Recalling the role of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman in ‘introducing’ multiparty democracy in the country, he said their party will continue their struggle for ‘restoring’ democracy and people’s right by holding his ideals.