People's unity must to ensure functional democracy: Dr Kamal

DUCSU polls prove election system has collapsed: Oikyafront

FE Team | Published: March 12, 2019 00:05:34

Jatiya Oikyafront convener Dr Kamal Hossain said on Monday people's unity is a must for ensuring a functional democracy and removing all irregularities from the country, reports UNB.
"There're representatives of some political parties here, and all are talking about consolidating the unity further. We can fulfill the desires of the country's 160 million people and establish a functional democracy only with the strength of unity," he said.
Talking to reporters after a meeting of Oikyafront's steering committee at his Motijheel chamber, Dr Kamal further said, "Various evil attempts are being made while people are worried as opposition leaders and activists are being arrested, repressed and attacked. People's unity is imperative to get rid of such acts and protect people's rights."
He said their alliance has continued its efforts to forge a unity of the country's people.
Dr Kamal said he sees a light of hope about ensuring the rule of law and constitutional rule in the country as people are coming up with a positive response in this regard. "I can say without any confusion that most people, except a few ones, have taken a positive stance in favour of the rule of law and restoring people's rights."
He alleged the incident of Dec-30 vote "robbery" reappeared in the DUCSU polls as the country's election system has collapsed.
About oath taking by Oikyafront MP Sultan Mohammad Mansur, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their meeting strongly denounced his move.
He said Mansur joined a parliament which does not represent people. "He (Mansur) took oath going against the decision of Oikyafront and Gono Forum. We don't recognise it as a parliament where he joined."
Fakhrul said their alliance thinks Mansur betrayed the nation by taking oath as an MP of a 'so-called' parliament. "We also think he was sworn in illegally against his party's will. He was not eligible to take oath going against his party's stance."
He said their alliance will take legal action against Mansur.
On March 7, Sultan Mansur, who was elected MP from Moulvibaza-2 seat with Gono Forum's ticket in the December-30 election using BNP's election symbol 'Sheaf of Paddy', took oath as an MP.
Hours after he was sworn in, Gono Forum expelled him from the party while Oikyafront relieved him of its steering committee.
BNP along with Gono Forum and some other parties joined the December-30 election in alliance under the banner of Jatiya Oikyafront. BNP bagged six seats while Gono Forum two in the election.
The alliance turned down the election results bringing the allegation of 'massive vote robbery' and decided not to join parliament.