Call for 'reinforcement' of pro-liberation forces

Leading intelligentsia and leaders of different professional groups on Thursday called for a "reinforcement" of the pro-liberation and progressive forces to counter the opposition campaign which they said was launched against democracy and development, reports BSS.

Participating in a Bangabandhu Parishad discussion at the TSC of Dhaka University, they said after the election of Awami League in 1996 general elections as a democratic and progressive government, a distinct polarisation between the pro and anti-liberation forces became more vivid. The opposition alliance and campaign was in fact targeted against the democratic process.

Leading academists, lawyers, economists and journalists took part in the discussion attended by Prime Minister's Political Affairs Adviser Dr S A Malek Justice K M Sobhan was in the chair.

Dr Malek said as Awami League was voted to power in 1996, the polarisation in the country's political arena had become distinct and now with the alliance of "autocrats and fundamentalists" and their campaign against "a democratic process," it became more vivid.

But, he admitted that a gap between the government and the intelligentsia was developed in recent time and said it must be bridged for the sake of democracy.

Vice President of Bangladesh Bar Council, Barrister Amirul Islam said Awami League assumed power following a prolonged campaign, which now needed a "reinforcement" to face the opposition politics.

He identified "terrorism" as the main problem of the present society saying it was encouraged to create a social anarchy.

Economist Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed said it would be unwise to ignore the problems in economic and other sectors and suggested formation of expert groups for every sectors to identify and remove the problems.

Dr Ashrafuddin Chowdhury of Economics Department of Dhaka University said the ruling party must review its election pledges including the issue of autonomy for the state-run radio and television.

He said the growth in economic sector was higher in the past several years compared to the history of the country's 150 years of history of the sector and added that this success became a headache for the opposition.

Journalists A B M Musa said the commitment of the government was an important factor on the question of facing the anti-liberation and fanatic forces.

Acting Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof Shahadat Ali said the opposition campaign was aimed at protecting the killers of Bangabandhu and opined that after the completion of their trial process, the political unrest and violence would tame down.

Vice Chancellor of Open University Prof Amirul Islam called for strengthening the organisational activities of Awami League at grassroots and highlighting the government's success properly.

Prof Abdul Mannan Chowdhury of Management Department of Dhaka University said it appears that the opposition would try to intensify their campaign but the progressive forces should make it clear to all that they have no issue to justify their movement.

Muktijoddha Sangsad Chairman Principal Ahad Chowdhury, Advocate Gaziul Haque, Razia Motin Chowdhury, Mahbubuddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom, Golam Kuddus, Kamal Haidar, Prof Harunur Rashid and Dr Ali Asgar among others, spoke on the occasion.