LDA vows to limit executive power of PM if voted to office

Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) yesterday promised to bring changes in constitution to limit “undemocratic supremacy of prime minister” and ensure accountability in applying executive power, if voted to power.

The platform of eight left-leaning parties will annul all laws that are against fundamental human rights including Digital Security Act, said its leaders while disclosing its election manifesto at the capital's Mukti Bhaban.

The alliance is comprised of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist), Ganasamhati Andolon, United Communist League of Bangladesh, Ganatantrik Biplobi Party and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Andolan.

While reading out their manifesto, coordinator of LDA's central executive council Mohammad Shah Alam said a strong resistance will be built up against terrorism, militancy, organised crime and goonism, and his party will adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and bribery.

Replying to a question, CPB's President Mujahidul Islam Selim said LDA nominated 131 candidates in as many constituencies across the country. He, however, declined to give any breakdown of how many contestants got nominations from each party under the alliance.

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 local government institutions, establishment of a poor-friendly economic system, and alleviation of poverty and inequality.

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

Speaking at the press conference, LDA leaders claimed their candidates are being harassed while campaigning for the election.

“Posters of our candidates were torn down at many places,” said Saiful Haque, general secretary of Biplobi Workers Party.