BSD pledges non-partisan polls-time govt

Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), a partner of Left Democratic Alliance (LDA), yesterday pledged to restore a non-partisan election-time government to ensure a free and fair election, if voted to power.

“Both police and ruling Awami League are now working for 'boat', and the Election Commission is also playing a biased role. So, no fair election can be held under a party-led government,” BSD General Secretary Khaliquzzaman claimed as he unveiled the party's 17-point manifesto for the 11th national election, from a press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) in the capital.

He said a constitutional amendment will be made to bring back non-party government, and election will be held as per proportional representation (PR) through which people from different constituencies will only cast votes for party symbols, and parties will then nominate parliament members as per voting percentage. 

“Small number of seats is not enough to form a government, but we will play a vital role in establishing rights of people both in parliament and outside if our candidates win,” he said

He alleged that his party candidates are being attacked during campaigning at different places in the country by ruling party activists.

“Our candidates are carrying out election campaign maintaining EC's directions, but law enforcers and AL activists are obstructing us,” he lamented.

Khaliquzzaman said his party will try to restore constitution of 1972 and will eliminate constitutional provisions that hamper independence of judiciary, freedom of speech and institutional autonomy.

He also said the spirit of the Liberation War will be upheld by elimination of religion-based politics, corruption, communalism and attack on minority communities.

He also vowed to build a country with an effective parliament, good governance, development in agricultural sector, an independent foreign policy, addressing climate change issues, adequate education facilities, healthcare, creating employment opportunities and establishing labour rights.

Khaliquzzaman sought votes for his party candidates for their symbol “ladder” at 45 constituencies, and for its alliance (LDA) partners at other 86 constituencies.

Among others, BSD candidate Mujibur Hawlader from Dhaka-3, Khalekuzzaman Lipon from Dhaka-7, Shampa Bashu from Dhaka-8 and SM Ahsan Habib Bulbul from Dhaka-17 were present.