Do something better, says Dr Kamal

Senior leader of Jatiya Oikya Front Dr Kamal Hossain warned the government on Monday that its days are numbered.
"You (the government) have 20 days only. Utilise this opportunity. Do something that is praiseworthy, so that the people of the country give thanks to you."
He said these at a discussion on politics and human rights, organised by Bangladesh Human Rights Monitoring Council (BHRMC) at National Press Club in the capital to mark Human Rights Day (Dec 10).
"If you want to seek our cooperation for doing something better for the people, we are ready to cooperate with you. If you fail, you will regret for not doing it even after getting the opportunity," he told the government.
People's victory is certain, noted Dr Kamal, also the president of Gono Forum.
He also said the number of extra-judicial killings has been rising alarmingly in the recent years. The number was 321 in 2018, while it was 40 in 2013, 50 in 2012, and 60 in 2011, according to the data presented in the event.
"It is an epidemic. How could it happen? It happened due to bankruptcy in governance (lack of good governance)."
This kind of incidents happens in the absence of democracy, he opined.
"The people cannot be forced to die in such a way. This must be stopped."
Dr Kamal also demanded proper investigation into the extra-judicial killings by respected people of the society.
"It is the responsibility of the government and the state to ensure human rights of the citizens. We have no way but to be worried even after the long 47 years for such incidents."
The renowned jurist called upon the government to stop extra-judicial killings by utilising its power, saying stopping of such killings should get top priority of any government.
Regarding his presence in the ongoing election campaign he said, "I have been on the campaign to create public awareness."
"If people cannot exercise their franchise in the upcoming election, there will be no freedom. We will cast our votes. Please seek votes from the people."
The Oikya Front top leader expressed concern over the recent shutdown of 58 sites including news portals by the government, which, however, were allowed to operate later by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
"To restore democracy, people's rights to vote must be ensured. As citizens, we cannot remain silent. We must rise to protest."
"They (the government) cannot do anything, if the people of the country get untied at their respective areas. So, we must be united," he added.
BHRMC executive director Talukder Moniruzzaman Monir moderated the event. BHRMC chairman Md Nurul Huda Milu Chowdhury, and former education minister Sheikh Shahidul Islam, among others, were also present.

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