Dhaka, Mar 31 (UNB) – Stating that an impossible thing can be made possible through unity, Jatiya Oikyafront convener Dr Kamal Hossain on Sunday urged people to launch a united movement to ‘restore’ democracy in the country.
“It’s mentioned in the Constitution, signed by Bangabandhu, that the country will be ruled by the representatives of people elected through a neutral and fair election. There could be no differences of opinion over the matter,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, he further said, “We’ve achieved the independence and get rid of autocratic regime in 1991 through a united movement. We’ll also achieve our target of restoring democracy in the country through another united movement.”
Jatiya Oikyafront arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club marking the 49th Independence Day.
Expressing his solidarity with the Oikyafront leaders’ demand for the release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail, Dr Kamal said the government should immediately release those who have been kept in jail unfairly. “We should also consolidate our unity to realise our demands and achieve our targets. We must wage a united movement.”
He said true democracy can be established in the country if people get united. “People will be able to play the role of owners of the country if democracy is restored.”
As some BNP activists started shouting and voicing their anger since the Oikyafront chief didn’t mention the names of their party founder Zaiur Rahman and chairperson Khaleda alongside Bangabandhu, Dr Kamal urged them not to consider the unity from a partisan point of view. “We should work for achieving our target coming out of political point of view.”
He also said there is no scope to create any controversy over Bangabandhu as he is the source of people’s unity. “No one of us wants to indulge in any controversy over him. If we do this, it’ll be an onslaught on unity.”
Speaking at the programme, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that the government, which is now thinking of restoring one-party Baksal rule, is not releasing Khaleda Zia from jail as it fears her immense popularity.
“They fear that they’ll no longer be able to suppress people if Khaleda Zia comes out of jail,” he observed.
Fakhrul said the ruling party leaders are continuously making various comments about BNP out of their tension. “Why are you talking so much about BNP if you think BNP is not a strong opponent to you?”
He said their seriously sick chairperson is being deprived of her due rights in jail and denied proper treatment.
The BNP leader said the jail authorities are not allowing Khaleda’s relatives and BNP leaders to meet her in jail. “She is not given any treatment and bail as per her rights. She has been gradually pushed towards death.”
He said they formed the Jatiya Oikyafront to restore people’s lost rights through united efforts. “But the government is trying to destroy our unity. We must be careful about it.”
Fakhrul said their party is working to ensure a democratic governing system in the country. “We won’t accept any other governing system. So, let’s get united to restore democracy and free Khaleda Zia from jail.”
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal president ASM Abdur Rob said the current government has no responsibility to and sympathy for people as it is not elected with their votes.
“This government is irresponsible. They’re now talking about one-party Baksal rule. Awami League separated Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from people by establishing Baksal while Sheikh Hasina has isolated Awami League from people by holding an election of vote robbery on December 29.”
Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna said there is no alternative to strengthening Oikyafront further to wage a strong movement to unseat the current government. “We must take a vow as we did it during the Liberation War to launch a united movement to achieve our goals.”
He also said Khaleda Zia’s release from jail is not possible without a movement. “So’ let’s remove the misunderstanding and confusion from among us and get united.”
BNP standing committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Gonoshasthya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, Gono Forum executive president Subrata Chowdhury, general secretary Mostafa Mohsin Montu and presidium member Reza Kibria, among others, addressed the programme.
