Dissolve parliament before declaring polls schedule

Left Democratic Alliance (LDA), a platform of eight left-leaning political parties, yesterday staged a sit-in in front of Jatiya Press Club, demanding a polls-time neutral government ahead of the national elections.

The LDA leaders urged the government to amend the country's constitution to formulate such polls-time administration, if necessary. They also demanded that the existing parliament be dissolved before declaring the election schedule and to reform the Election Commission. They announced to submit a memorandum to the president on October 29 if their demands are not met.

Dhaka University Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury said a change is a must to bring an end to the ongoing murder, rape and abduction. People keep hope on left-leaning parties as they can change the society through movement.

CPB President Mujahidul Islam Selim, also a leader of the alliance, said, “The ruling party [Awami League] men say their victory in the polls is imminent; only formality is left. They want to win in an 'empty field'… people won't accept any trickery.”

LDA Coordinator Saiful Huq alleged that the government is increasing its repression over the opposition party leaders. CPB General Secretary Shah Alam also spoke.