DHAKA: A six-member delegation of civil society met with President M Abdul Hamid on Tuesday evening and expressed their concern over prevailing political deadlock and all-party government.

The delegation included Gana Forum president Dr Kamal Hossain, former caretaker government adviser Akbar Ali Khan, Ain O Salish Kendra executive director Sultana Kamal, Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, lawyer Shahdeen Malik and Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik Secretary Badiul Alam Majumber.

After the meeting at Bangabhaban, Gana Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain said, “We expressed our concern about the prevailing political turmoil and feared that polls without main opposition might bring the catastrophe in democratic arena.”

Besides, Akbar Ali Khan said, “We discussed the matter with the President and we want violence free country.”

Hartal and blockade are harmful for democracy, he added.

He also said President can do many things in informal manners.

Sultana Kamal said, “As a citizen of the country we will try to do better within the framework of the constitution.”

Earlier, the 18-party alliance said it would boycott and foil the election if it is held without a non-partisan caretaker government system.

But ignoring their demand, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inducted new ministers into the cabinet terming it as an all-party cabinet to oversee the upcoming parliament election.

On Monday evening, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed announced the polls schedule fixing the voting date January 5.

After the announcement, the 18-party alliance declared 48-hour road, rail and waterway blockade demanding to postpone the schedule.

BDST: 2153 HRS, NOV 26, 2013