Juktofront and Gono Forum to finalise programmes soon

Prof AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury and Dr Kamal Hossain, in their joint movement, ahead of the upcoming national election, will give importance to form public opinion regarding establishing good governance in the country through holding a free, fair and acceptable election.

The two senior politicians will jointly hold various programmes around the country in the next two months to woo voters, sources in Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh and Gono Forum told The Daily Star yesterday.

Apart from the election issue, the two leaders will focus on bringing changes in the existing government system, including ensuring balance of power between the prime minister and the president and eliminating corruption, said party insiders.

In a latest development, Prof AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury and Dr Kamal Hossain on Tuesday agreed to work together to mount pressure on the government for holding a free and fair election in the country. The two senior political leaders came up with the declaration after a two-hour meeting at the home of Dr Kamal, president of Gono Forum. 

A sub-committee was also formed for preparing the next course of action of the platform, which would be announced soon.

Leaders of the components of Juktofront -- Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal and Nagorik Oikya -- were present at the meeting.

A Gono Forum leader told this correspondent that leaders of Juktofront and Gono Forum will likely sit today for discussing their next course of action.

“September and October will be crucial for to form public opinion. We will finalise our programmes very soon,” said a Bikalpa Dhara leader, wishing anonymity.

BNP has welcomed the latest political development, saying they are also eager to work with Prof B Chowdhury and Dr Kamal Hossain.

Meanwhile, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said there is no need to wage any movement for holding a free, fair and neutral national election.

“You can take preparations for the polls…We have no objections to any non-violent movement. But if anyone tries to incite violence, the government will take actions,” he said, speaking at a function in Dhaka's Shyamoli area.