The formation of a third political force outside the two major
political alliances in the country is yet to get much progress.
However, the leaders of the political parties concerned claimed that
they have been continuing discussions among like minded parties and
hopeful of emergence of such a political alliance soon.
“We are in principle agreed to either take part in the forthcoming
general elections or carryout movement unitedly but there are still
some differences among us over some issues,” said a senior leader.
Former President and Bikalpadhara Bangladesh chief Prof Dr AQM
Badruddoza Chowdhury and Gano Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain took
the initiative to launch a third force outside the two alliances led
by the ruling Awami League and the opposition BNP.
The two leaders called for a national unity through exchanging views
with civil society people at Hotel Radisson on October 21 last year.
They held several meetings with leaders of like minded parties
including Bongobir Kader Siddiqui, Bir Uttam of Krishak Sramik Janata
League, ASM Abdur Rob of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Mahmudur
Rahman Manna of Nagorik Oikya.
As part of the effort, the leaders also held a number of rallies at
different places including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Chittagong and
Narayanganj with a call for unity.
Talking to newsmen Bangabir Kader Siddiqui admitted that they could
not proceed as they have planned for.
“We do not want to float a third force rather we will form a main
stream political alliance,” he said.
Replying to a question, he said, “We are now waiting to give the
effort in shape and people will be able to see something visible
within this month.”
ASM Abdur Rob said they would build an alternative alliance based on
a minimum programme.
“We have agreed that we will not take party in the election under the
present government,” he said.
The JSD leader rejected any possibility to join any existing
political alliance and said they only would participate in the poll if
other political parties take part in it, otherwise not.
Rob said they have already talked to some progressive and democratic
parties including Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh
Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) and Bangladesh Workers Party.
He, however, said that time has not come to announce the name and
programmes of the proposed alliance.
Mahmudur Rahman Manna, convenor of Nagorik Oikya, said they would make
the announcement of the new alliance after determining the political
guideline for unity.
“We are walking together speaking the same language but the alliance
is yet to be forced,” he said.
The Nagorik Oikya leader denied when it would be announced and what
would be their next course of action
On formation of election-time government, he said they want an
election acceptable to all and it should not be a lop sided. – Staff
Reporter
