Eight left parties on Wednesday launched a new platform styled “Left Democratic Alliance” to strengthen the alternative political force against bad politics.
These parties formally announced the journey of the new alliance at a press conference at Mukti Bhaban in Dhaka, reports UNB.
The eight parties are the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), Bangladesher Biplobi Workers Party, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist), Gana Sanghati Andalon, Bangladesher United Communist League, Ganatantrik Biplobi Party and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Andalon.
Speaking at the program, BSD General Secretary Khalequzzaman said: “We must restore the real spirit of the Liberation War without doing business with it. We will have to resist the use of religion in politics. The alliance was launched with these goals.”
CPB President Mujahidul Islam Selim said they did not float the new alliance to get the share of power as it is not based on only votes.
Asked whether the alliance would join the next polls, he said no election would be free and fair under the current regime, and they launched the new platform to wage a movement against farcical polls. “We can join or boycott the polls depending on the situation.”
Selim said it would not be possible to ensure a level-playing field if the current parliament which lacked people’s mandate was not dissolved.
He said the Election Commission must be reconstituted and the election system reformed before the announcement of the 11th parliamentary elections’ schedule.
Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary and coordinator of the new alliance Saiful Haque also read out a written speech, and presented the coalition’s next course of action.
As part of the course of action, the alliance on July 24 will demonstrate across the country, including in front of the National Press Club in the capital, demanding restoration of the people’s democratic rights.
It will also arrange a views-exchange meeting in the city on August 4 demanding reformation of the existing election system.
The central leaders of the alliance will also hold rallies in six divisional cities on August 10 and 11.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
