Fifty-seven political and social leaders in Bangladesh have called for the presidential election not to become a test of party loyalty in the post-uprising period. In a joint statement sent to the media on Tuesday, they issued four demands, including an end to what they described as misinterpretation of Article 70 of the constitution in relation to the presidential vote.

The signatories said Article 70 should be reformed so that its application is limited to money bills and no-confidence votes. They also opposed any attempt to expand its current scope and apply it to the presidential election in a manner they said conflicts with commitments in the July National Charter and the 31-point programme.

They urged the Election Commission to immediately provide a clear, neutral and constitutional interpretation on whether Article 70 applies to the presidential election, and to make that explanation public. The statement also called on all members of the 13th parliament to vote according to constitutional conscience, independent judgment and responsibility to the republic, free from party pressure, fear and loyalty.