Left Front parties won't join AL or BNP-led alliance
Sunday, 28 September 2008
The 11-party Democratic Left Front (DLF) has said it would not join BNP or Awami League (AL), while alleging that the government in hand with certain 'vested quarters' were trying to stage-manage the upcoming general election, reports bdnews24.com.
The DLF at a press conference Saturday made a five-point demand including immediate withdrawal of the state of emergency for holding a free, fair, neutral and acceptable election.
The Left Front's five demands included withdrawal of the state of emergency, cancellation of the amended Representation of Peoples' Order (RPO), disqualifying the corrupt and war criminals from contesting polls, a halt to the government's unwanted intervention on the media and effective reform of the electoral process.
The front's coordinator, Advocate Abdus Salam made the demands before the press at the Topkhana Road offices of member party Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD).
"There is no scope for a free, fair, neutral and acceptable election by partially relaxing Emergency Powers Rules (EPR) for political parties, while keeping the state of emergency in force for the public thus suspending people's fundamental rights," he said.
"It is clear that the government and different quarters are trying to hold a stage-managed election, keeping political control in their hands."
Replying to a question, general secretary of Biplobi Communist Party Saiful Haque said, "The Left Front will not join any alliance led by BNP or Awami League in the next election."
"The Front will meet later to take a decision on joining any other alliance and participation in the Dec 18 general election."
The DLF at a press conference Saturday made a five-point demand including immediate withdrawal of the state of emergency for holding a free, fair, neutral and acceptable election.
The Left Front's five demands included withdrawal of the state of emergency, cancellation of the amended Representation of Peoples' Order (RPO), disqualifying the corrupt and war criminals from contesting polls, a halt to the government's unwanted intervention on the media and effective reform of the electoral process.
The front's coordinator, Advocate Abdus Salam made the demands before the press at the Topkhana Road offices of member party Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD).
"There is no scope for a free, fair, neutral and acceptable election by partially relaxing Emergency Powers Rules (EPR) for political parties, while keeping the state of emergency in force for the public thus suspending people's fundamental rights," he said.
"It is clear that the government and different quarters are trying to hold a stage-managed election, keeping political control in their hands."
Replying to a question, general secretary of Biplobi Communist Party Saiful Haque said, "The Left Front will not join any alliance led by BNP or Awami League in the next election."
"The Front will meet later to take a decision on joining any other alliance and participation in the Dec 18 general election."