'Will work for the 99pc of population if voted to power'

Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) yesterday pledged to work for the economic development of 99 percent of the country's people if voted to power.

CPB President Mujahidul Islam Selim made the promise as he unveiled the party's 30-point manifesto for the 11th national election, titled “Vision-Liberation War 71” from a press conference at the party's Mukti Bhaban office in the capital's Purana Paltan.

He alleged that the two major political alliances -- led by AL and BNP -- are similar groups, as both are protecting the rights of only a single percent of people in the country.    

“CPB will work to reach an economic advancement to the country's 99 percent people instead of serving the interest of only a single percent,” he added. 

Claiming that a free and fair election is not possible under the current system, CPB in its manifesto pledged to bring a constitutional amendment containing the provisions of election-time government.

Selim alleged that the political parties have been asked to keep confidence on the prime minister, as she had said the administration is now being run as per so called routine work, although there is no provision in the constitution in this regard.

“If we have to keep confidence on Sheikh Hasina during the election, then what is the need of the constitution?” He questioned.

“I think, this system allows the government to exercise control over the administration, and thus no fair election can be held. So, if we are voted to power we will provide a constitutional clarification of the election-time government,” he said.

Identifying the culture of plundering, absence of democracy, communalism and imperialism as the four major problems for people of the country, CPB in its manifesto promised to deal with these issues.

Selim said the country's first constitution in 1972 had four principles -- secularism, nationalism, democracy and socialism -- but they are yet to be implemented.

“We will ensure the proper implementation of these four basic principles,” he said.

The manifesto highlighted reformation in state mechanism, constitution and politics in the light of the ideology of the Liberation War, establishment of effective democracy ensuring freedom of opinion and human rights, democratic decentralisation and empowerment of the local government institutions, establishment of a poor-friendly economic system, and alleviation of poverty and disparity.

The CPB president said a strong resistance will also be built up against terrorism, militancy, organised crime and goonism, and his party will adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and bribery.

The manifesto also includes development in the agricultural sector and standard of living of farmers, as well as village labourers, establishment of labour rights, stoppage of question leakage and proper implementation of University Act 1973, establishment of rights of women, physically-challenged persons, minority and indigenous communities.

Selim said the Ganajagaran Mancha, road safety and anti-quota protest movements have inspired him to be hopeful about the young generation of the country.

“CPB will take initiatives to ensure enough road safety measures and to create employment opportunities,” he added 

The manifesto also includes establishment of an independent foreign policy and solution of water-sharing disputes with the neighbouring country.