Monitoring cells necessary before nat'l polls: speakers

Speakers at a workshop in Barishal yesterday stressed the need for setting up of monitoring cells in each district ahead of the upcoming national elections to prevent violence.

The daylong workshop and discussion, titled "11th national parliamentary election: protection, security and responsibilities of the minority community", was organised by Secular Bangladesh Movement, UK (SBMUK) at Kheyali Group Theatre auditorium in the city.

The programme, presided over by SBMUK President Pushpita Gupta, was attended by leaders of various sections and professional groups of the society, as well as the local minority community. 

Urging all to refrain from voting candidates who had committed war crimes and took part in persecution of the country's minorities, speakers demanded immediate steps for protection of the minority communities before the next polls. 

Persecution of minorities is on the rise as most perpetrators were able to evade justice, they said, adding that the government should create a new ministry to oversee minority affairs.

SBMUK adviser Dr Mesbah Kamal, professor of history at Dhaka University; Jannatul Ferdousi, member of parliamentary caucus on indigenous affairs; Manabendra Batabayal and Tapon Chakrabory spoke, among others.