Menon threatens to quit grand alliance

Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon yesterday warned that his party would pull out of the Awami League-led grand alliance if the government fails to stop 'wilful mistakes' such as tender violence and nepotism.
"This government is the outcome of the united movement of the 14-party grand alliance. The nation started moving towards building a secular society with the spirit of our liberation war. So, the Workers Party wants the present government to move forward," said the lawmaker at the inaugural session of the party's eighth congress.
"We came to power with the pledge to bring about changes. But no changes have taken place. Tender violence has become a regular event. Authorities resorted to nepotism while giving fertiliser dealership. Power of the Anti-Corruption Commission has been curbed. People now feel disappointed after observing all such activities," said the president of the Workers' Party, one of the key partners of the ruling AL-led alliance government.
"If the government continues to make such wilful mistakes, Workers Party would not remain with the alliance… We along with people will protest such activities of the government," said Menon.
Hundreds of party delegates from across the country joined the five-day congress of the Workers Party that began at the Mahanagar Natyamanch in the city. Communist party delegations from India, Vietnam, Nepal, Spain, North Korea and Pakistan also attended the inaugural session.
At the congress, Menon called on the alternative left forces to forge unity to build a secular Bangladesh.
He also criticised the government for maintaining close relations with the USA. "The government is going to sign TIFA with the US, but we will not let it happen."
"We will also no longer tolerate any move to export gas," he added.
Party leaders Bimal Biswas, Fazle Hossain Badsha MP also spoke.