Dissolve parliament before polls schedule declaration: IAB

Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) yesterday demanded dissolution of parliament before declaration of schedule of upcoming national election, formation of polls-time government in consultation with all registered political parties, and reconstitution of election commission.

Ameer of IAB, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Pir Shaheb of Charmonai), said “The election will not be fair and acceptable without the dissolution of parliament. Rather it will be a farcical election like the one held in 2014.”

He also demanded deployment of armed forces in the period between the declaration of schedule of national polls, and handing over power to the new government.

From a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, Mufti Rezaul Karim said to press home their demands, they will hold a protest rally in Dhaka on October 12, and give memorandum to the deputy commissioners of all districts on October 14 as well as hold more rallies throughout the country on that day.

On October 16, they will submit a memorandum to the president, he said, adding they will declare their next programmes if their demands are not met even after that.

“Those who love the country cannot be involved in corruption, loot resources of the country and kill people. Those who commit these crimes cannot be true lovers of the country; they are rather lovers of power,” he said.

He said lovers of the country need to unite against lovers of power in the next parliamentary election.

Rezaul also demanded cancellation of the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) in the national polls, and release of all students arrested during the quota and road safety protests.

IAB is prepared to participate in any election. “If free and fair environment exists, Islami Andolan Bangladesh will contest in all 300 seats of parliament,” said the IAB chief.

He said if IAB is voted to power, they will ensure justice and fundamental rights of citizens, uproot corruption and maintain good relations with other countries including the neighbours.

Thousands of people, boarding buses and trucks from different parts of the country, joined the rally held for more than three hours. Due to the rally, city dwellers faced severe traffic congestion at areas adjacent to the venue.