Dr Kamal launches nat'l unity platform

The formation of a new citizens' platform with eminent jurist and Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain as convener was announced yesterday along with its plans to arrange a dialogue in the capital in November to forge unity over national fundamental issues.

Forward Party Convener ABM Mostafa Amin, member secretary of the new body, Jatiya Oikya Prokriya, told The Daily Star after a press conference at Jatiya Press Club making the announcement that they wanted to forge unity among people over 14 issues.

Awami League's former organising secretary Sultan Mohammad Mansur Ahmed, National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Electricity and Port convener Md Shahidullah and Shaheed Shamsul Alam Khan Milon's mother Selina Akhter were present.

Prof Ajoy Roy, Bikalpa Dhara National Committee Member Secretary Maj (retd) Abdul Mannan and former Awami League leader SM Akram are also involved with the convening committee. Jatiya Party Co-Chairman GM Quader termed it a “pressure group”...“to force (the government) to govern the country as per the constitution”.

All constitutional and statutory bodies are to be strengthened and made effective and neutral, honest, competent and experienced persons will be appointed in all constitutional bodies as per the laws and rules, reads one of the 14.

A “constitution scrutiny commission” is to be formed with representatives from all sections of society and necessary amendments to the constitution will be brought as per the commission's recommendations to reflect people's aspiration, says another.