Bangladesh parties urge quick polls

The two major political alliances in Bangladesh have asked the newly sworn-in caretaker government in the country to hold quick polls as the Election Commission prepared to invite them for talks on how to ensure that the general elections are peaceful.

Praising the role of the army in reconstituting the caretaker government, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina8217;s Awami League-led mega alliance, however, demanded the recasting of the Election Commission, updating of voters8217; rolls and depoliticisation of the administration.

8220;We hope the new caretaker government will work for passing the people8217;s power back to them by holding a free and fair election through reconstituting the Election Commission, preparing an accurate and correct voters8217; list, and neutralising the administration,8221; the coordinator of the 14-parties Abdul Jalil said at a press briefing late yesterday.