Progressive Democratic Party formed

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Ferdous Ahmed Kureshi Saturday formally announced the name of the party he initiated as "Progressive Democratic Party" and said it would contest in all the 300 constituencies in next general election, reports UNB.
He expressed the hope to win the next general election, which he believes, would be held by the end of 2008.
"The name was decided a long time ago. We intended to announce the name by holding a formal meeting… the name of the party will be Progressive Democratic Party (PDP)," Kureshi said at a press conference at the daily Deshbangla office in the city.
"The country is on the right track…I hope a free, fair and credible election will be held in 2008," he said. "And we'll participate in the election. We'll field candidates in all 300 constituencies and Insha-Allah, we will win."
He said that in the changed situation thousands of leaders and workers of BNP, Awami League (AL) and Jatiya Party have contacted "us, as they are frustrated with their (respective) leaderships."
Asked if his party has the blessings of the government, Kureshi said the two main political streams had created a deadlock in the country and it's a blessing that the government has hit hard the two streams with its drive against corruption. "It's a blessing for those who want to form new party. Of course, we are taking the opportunity."
Asked what would be his post in the new party, he said he would remain as the coordinator of the party until everything is finalised.
Replying to a question, Kureshi said that a convening committee with representations from all the districts would be formed soon. Followed by a series of intra-party discussions, the constitution and manifesto of the party would be declared.
Asked what surprise they would be giving the people, he said, "There is one surprise: we're trying to identify the areas where other parties have failed. We want an end to those trivial issues that have divided the country for so long."
Appreciating the government's ongoing drive against corruption, Kureshi, who was earlier involved with both AL and BNP politics, said the government should concentrate on the serious crimes and corruption, rather than going after those who committed petty crimes.
About the lifting of ban on indoor politics, he said there is no logic now to keep the ban on indoor politics. "Therefore, I request the government to lift the ban on indoor politics, if necessary, in phases."
On the present government, Kureshi said, "This government will have to be successful. It will have to have people's support. And to get people's support, fear among them will have to be removed."
Urging the government to continue with the anti-corruption drive, he said the image of the government is being badly tarnished due to arrests made only on the basis of complaints without proper investigation.
AL questions floating new party despite ban on political activities
UNB adds: Awami League acting president Zillur Rahman Saturday questioned how a new political party could be floated when ban on political activities is still in force.
"Two different laws cannot exist in one country," he told the reporters at his Banani residence, responding to the launching of Progressive Democratic Party by Ferdous Ahmed Qureshi Saturday.
Zillur again demanded immediate release of AL chief Sheikh Hasina, now detained in a special jail in the parliament building complex.
The Awami League leader again said reforms of the party cannot be made in absence of Sheikh Hasina. He claimed that there was no split within Awami League on the question of reforms.
He welcomed the Army Chief's remarks about proper recognition of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, saying that the truth cannot be obliterated by falsehood.