LDA calls countrywide protest tomorrow

Speakers at a views-exchange meeting yesterday called for strengthening pro-people actions of the country's left-leaning political parties with the aim to emerge as a strong political force.

Meanwhile, Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) – that includes eight left-leaning political parties – called for a mass protest across the country tomorrow (Wednesday), denouncing irregularities and “vote robbery” during the national polls won by Awami League-led grand alliance. In the capital, LDA members along with like-minded professionals and people from different walks of life will gather in front of the Jatiya Press Club at 4pm, said LDA sources.

“We will stand with black flags in hands and declare further programme,” LDA Coordinator Mohammad Shah Alam told the views-exchange meeting at the Jatiya Press Club.

LDA, which rejected the election results terming it “farcical”, arranged the meeting to share its findings on polls irregularities with civil society members and to set its next course of actions.

At a daylong mass hearing at Jatiya Press Club on January 11, at least 82 of 147 LDA candidates shared their accounts of the polls.

They claimed irregularities of different dimensions, including biased role of the administration and law enforcement agencies, ballot stuffing, threats and harassments by alleged ruling party men, and inefficient role of the Election Commission.

Speaking at yesterday's meeting, economist Prof Anu Muhammad said election experience in Bangladesh has always been appalling.

“At least administrative patronage was absent during [election under] the caretaker government…other irregularities happened. Election experience in Bangladesh has been so appalling that this seemed like a great achievement to us,” he said.

He added that LDA members should reach out to people, including the youth, and mobilise them for future movement.

He also stressed the need for continuing efforts to achieve the right to freedom of speech and raise questions.

Claiming that the country's present political situation reflects absence of democracy, eminent jurist Dr Shahdeen Malik said true democracy means transition of power through fair and peaceful election.

Prof MM Akash of Dhaka University said long-term movement is required for restoration of democracy and such movement will need participation of the masses.