Next polls 'different and difficult'

The upcoming national election will be “different and difficult” compared to the previous ones, and it would be suicidal if any party in the 14-party grand alliance including Awami League takes a "go alone policy" regarding the polls, newly appointed Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon said yesterday.

“We need solid unity among all components in the 14-party alliance -- not only during movements, but also in the next general election. It will be a different and difficult election because all parties including BNP are likely to join it,” he said.

Addressing a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club, Menon said the ongoing trend to build Bangladesh a non-communal country would lose its momentum if we make the 14-party grand alliance less important.

The Workers Party of Bangladesh president came up with the remarks two days after BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia said her party would contest in the polls but the election must be held under a non-partisan administration.

"All should be united in the next parliamentary polls for keeping the trend of non-communalism, democracy and development uninterrupted, and that's why we will participate in the polls under the grand alliance," he added.

He also cautioned that the trend of development will likely to be disrupted if anyone independently contests in the polls.

At the conference, Menon also announced a 21-point action plan of the party to develop different sectors including road, transport, communication, agriculture and education.

The party will also hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on February 3 to drum up support for its 21-point programme from the people, added Menon.

Menon said his party wants to take part in the election as part of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance.

Workers Party General Secretary Fazle Hossain Badsha, among others, was also present at the conference.