Bangladesh’s left alliance to join polls, continue protest

Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) on Tuesday announced to take part in the 11th parliamentary elections as part of its movement for ensuring a fair and neutral election.

On behalf of LDA, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) general secretary Shah Alam came up with the announcement at a press conference at Mukti Bhababan in the capital’s Paltan area.“A public perception is there that the government has set a trap to hold a lopsided election as its schedule was announced without meeting the demands of political parties,” he said.

In a written speech, the CPB leader also said, “We’ve continued our street movement to ensure responsible attitude of the Election Commission and the government, and remove anxiety over the election. At the same time, we’ve decided to join the polls as part of our movement without falling into the trap of unilateral election.” CPB president Mujahidul Islam Selim said joining election does not mean their alliance has agreed that the polls will be held in a fair and credible manner as they have taken the decision as part of their struggle.

Selim said both the Awami League and BNP become desperate for a fair election when they remain as opposition, but they are out to hold a farcical election after going to power. “That’s why we think a credible election is not possible under a partisan government.”

He said they also think the 11th parliamentary elections will be flawed ones, not free and fair.The CPB president also said they may boycott the election if the situation demands. LDA coordinator Saiful Huq said people do not believe that the election will be fair, while the government did not take any step to restore people’s confidence.

source: UNB