Country needs alternative political force

Some veteran politicians yesterday reiterated the need for an alternative political force, aside from the Awami League and the BNP, with an aim to protect peoples' rights and establish a healthy democratic culture in Bangladesh.

They observed that both the AL and the BNP failed to ensure people's welfare. Instead, the parties made the country suffer injustice, killings, and discrimination. So, the politicians viewed that an alternative political force comprising democratic and pro-liberation quarters was a necessity for the welfare of the country and its people.

They were addressing a discussion organised by Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob) marking the party's 42th founding anniversary at Jatiya Press Club in the capital.       

Addressing as the chief guest, Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain said the common people joined the Liberation War under a national consensus for freeing the country.

Similarly, everyone would come together and join the movement to establish a Bangladesh free of repression, discrimination and injustice, said the eminent jurist.

He viewed that the media should play a pioneering role in conveying the message.

JSD President ASM Abdur Rob strongly criticised the government for the “one-sided” January 5 poll saying the AL took away the people's right to franchise.

"It will be disastrous if a qualitative change cannot be brought in the state's ruling system. We want to form an alternative political force under the leadership of Dr Kamal with JSD, Nagorik Oikya, Communist Party of Bangladesh and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal to bring the change," he said.

Nagorik Oikkya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna termed the government “unelected” and said injustice was prevailing everywhere in the society.  "We hope to stand for democracy and peoples' rights," he said.