'Don't let Jamaat-linked parties run in election'

Projanmo'71 -- a platform of children of Liberation War martyrs -- urged the Election Commission to not register any parties that have Jamaat connections.

The platform submitted a memorandum in this regard to the office of Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal yesterday.

"Those who are associated in any way with Jamaat-e-Islami and its student's wing Islami Chhatra Shibir should not be allowed to register for participating in the polls," said Projanmo'71 President Asif Munier.

He said they were worried about Jamaat-linked parties, such as Bangladesh Development Party, applying to run in the elections.

"This is an emotional appeal from the children of the martyrs that such parties should not be registered for the elections," he added.

While talking to reporters, Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana said they have received the memorandum.

"Bangladesh Development Party has submitted its application to run in the elections. Some have been saying that the party is Jamaat-e-Islami under a new name," said Rashida.

"However, the claim needs proof. Let us verify, and then we will be able to talk about it," she added.