14-party urges EC to ensure safety of minority people

The 14-party alliance urged on Tuesday the Election Commission (EC) to ensure safety of the minority community ahead of the 11th parliamentary election, reports BSS.

"We request the Election Commission and the law enforcement agencies to ensure all-out safety of our minority brothers and sisters from now as the election is approaching," 14-party alliance spokesman Mohammad Nasim told a press conference at Awami League central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in the city.

The alliance held the press conference after a meeting with Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, freedom fighters' organisations and Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee.

Nasim, also a presidium member of Awami League, said, "We noticed in the past that the minority community people were intimidated ahead of elections. So, we urge the Election Commission to thoroughly consider the matter."

He said if incidents take place again, they will not tolerate that.

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, Samyabadi Dal general secretary Dilip Barua, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal general secretary Shirin Akhter, AL organising secretary Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council general secretary Rana Dasgupta, Sector Commanders' Forum President Major General (Retd) KM Shafiullah Bir Uttam, Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee President Shahriar Kabir, AL Deputy Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua and Dhaka City South AL general secretary Shahe Alam Murad were present on the occasion.

Nasim said Dr Kamal Hossain and Mahmudur Rahman Manna have joined hands with the killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman out of their greed for power.

"Once Dr Kamal Hossain was an Awami League leader and he attained close association of Bangabandh. Bangabandhu made him minister. Now this Kamal Hossain has made unity with the partners of anti-liberation forces. It is very unfortunate for the nation," he said.

Nasim expressed his hope that those who joined hands with the evil forces, BNP-Jamaat, will be defeated completely in the next general election.

He said the people will reject the hypocrites through ballots in the parliamentary election to be held on December 30.

Nasim said Bijoy Mancha (stage of victory) will be set up at every upazila and district from the next Victory Day on December 16 where songs, dramas and cultural programmes on Liberation War will be organised.