The formation of a third political force outside the two major political alliances in the country is yet to get desirable 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 exchange of opinion with civil society people at Hotel Radisson on October 21 last year.
They held several meetings with leaders of like minded parties including Bangabir Kader Siddiqui, Bir Uttam of Krishak Sramik Janata League, ASM Abdur Rab 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 The Independent 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 mainstream 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 Rab said they would build an alternative alliance based on a minimum programme.
“We have agreed that we will not take part 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.
Rab 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, convener 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 lopsided one.
-With The Independent input
