Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain today said those making their own fortunes depriving people of their ownership of the country and voting rights using the name and portraits of Bangabandhu are committing the 'most grievous crime'.

"They (AL) are using the name and portraits of Bangabandhu, but indulging in acts contrary to his ideals. I think it's the most grievous crime to work against Bangabandhu's ideal and dreams using his name," he said.

Speaking at a discussion, Dr Kamal further said, "Instead of exercising people's power in protecting their interests, they (AL) are making their own gains showing his photos and using his name. It's completely contrary to Bangabandhu's dreams. So, we should make people understand what Bangabandhu's real dreams were. Then, they'll put up a resistance against the abuse."

Gonoforum arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club on the occasion of National Mourning day commemorating the 44th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Dr Kamal, a close associate of Bangabandhu, said the Father of the Nation had struggled throughout his life for establishing pure democracy and making people owners of the country.

"If anyone thinks the country's power and ownership belong to an individual and a party it will be tantamount to disrespecting Bangabandhu and defying his instruction. Because, he made people owners of the country through the constitution signed by him," the Gonoforum chief said.

He said Bangabandhu even could not imagine an autocratic regime would rule Bangladesh. "Those who want to deprive people of their ownership of the country deviating from Bangabandhu's dreams are bound to fail."

Dr Kamal said those who are now exercising power, even at the grassroots level, are not elected with people's votes. "They're making their own fortunes instead of protecting people's interests. They're depriving people of their rights and power."

Referring to the December-30 national election, he said people were deprived of their voting right. An election system has been established which is completely opposite to a free and fair election.

Dr Kamal said Bangabandhu clearly defined in the constitution that democracy means a system where people at all levels will be the owners of the country, and all the representatives will be elected through people's votes in a credible election. "But his instruction has been ignored completely."

The Gonoforum president said those usurped power and indulging in plundering abusing power are not owners of the country. "People's ownership of the country will be ensured if they can freely exercise their voting rights through a fair and credible election."

He recalled that late autocratic ruler HM Ershad had tried to stay in power for a longer time, but he was ousted through a united and fierce movement.

The Gonoforum chief urged people to get united to realise their rights, restore their ownership of the country and materialise the dreams of Bangabandhu.

Gonoforum executive president Prof Abu Sayeed, general secretary Reza Kibria, presidium members Mokabbir Khan, MP, Mohsin Rashid and joint general secretaries Ameen Ahmed Afsary and Mostak Ahmed, among others, spoke at the programme.

 

 

The United States is concerned on the high-level of pre-election violence over the last two weeks, which the oppositions have borne the brunt.

"All parties have been victims of violence including minorities and female candidates. However, it appears that the opposition candidates had borne the brunt of most violence,” US Ambassador Earl Robert Miller said.

He came up with the comments while briefing journalists after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda at the Nirbachon Bhaban in Dhaka today.

He appreciated the opportunity to consult with the commission to see what plans it has made for a conducive atmosphere which would allow all people of every political affiliation to feel safe to go to the polling stations on the election day and cast their votes for their candidates of choice.

US wishes a free, fair and peaceful election will be held in Bangladesh on December 30, the statement said.

Just days ahead of the 11th national elections, Election Commissioner Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury today said “situation is under control”.

He came up with the remark in response to a query by reporters at the Election Commission in Dhaka’s Agargaon this afternoon.

Shahadat’s comment comes a day after Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar expressed grave concern over the ongoing spate of violence ahead of the polls scheduled to be held on December 30.

Hoping for a free, fair and peaceful election, Shahadat said, “I admit that anxiety grew among people centering the election. I want to term it political heat”.

He said he did not think that the situation was deteriorating ahead of the polls.

WHAT DID ELECTION COMMISSIONER MAHBUB SAY YESTERDAY?

Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder expressed grave concern over the recent incidents of violence.

Saying that violence and election cannot go hand in hand, he added,“If we cannot hold a peaceful election in a violence-free environment after 47 years of independence, the sacrifice of 30 lakh martyrs for independence and democracy will go in vain. We cannot allow this to happen.”

Bangladesh Nationalist Front President SM Abul Kalam Azad today said that the national election will not be free and fair under this Election Commission.

"Our supporters, voters, activists are feeling insecure," Azad, who is contesting from Dhaka-17, was speaking to reporters after a meeting at the commission.

Azad is currently a lawmaker of the current parliament and his party BNF is also a component of the Awami League-led ruling 14-party alliance.

"Our constitution says an election will be held under the Election Commission. But, we don't see it. It is heavily influenced by the ruling party," he said.

Speaking after meeting Election Commission Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed, he claimed 55 BNF candidates were attacked by Awami League and Oikyafront men.

"We want to stay in the election till the last day, but it should be held under a neutral Election Commission," he said.