BNP, allies look to wage 1-point movement
After completing its rallies in 10 divisional cities, the BNP now wants to wage a one-point movement to oust the government, uniting all like-minded opposition parties and forces.
The party had announced concurrent movement with other parties at its December 10 rally in Golapbagh.
In line with the announcement, the BNP and 33 like-minded parties would chalk out programmes in unison but would observe those from their own platforms.
Party sources said that as part of its process to unite the other parties and forces, the BNP's December 24 procession programme across the country will be observed by those parties too.
The BNP plans to gradually convert this concurrent movement on the streets into the one-point movement to oust the government.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, a key component in the BNP-led 20-party alliance, has already announced it would bring out processions on December 24 and that it supports the BNP's 10-point demand unveiled at the Golapbagh rally.
Several other parties of the alliance have also said they support the BNP's demands.
BNP sources said the concurrent movement was planned keeping the 20-party alliance and the Jatiya Oikya Front inactive and modelled on the successful movement of the 1990's that ousted Ershad.
BNP sources said that due to ideological differences, it was not possible to form an alliance but a movement for a single cause -- election under a non-partisan administration -- could be waged.
"There are some left political parties and religion-based political parties. All may not come under a s ingle platform. So, we are planning to wage a united or simultaneous movement like the political parties did in 1990's against Ershad," a standing committee member of the party, told The Daily Star yesterday.
He said the BNP-led a seven-party alliance, Awami League led an eight-party alliance, and the left a five-party alliance against Ershad and this strategy could be replicated.
Party sources said it was in close contact with some of the religion-based parties, especially Hefajat-e Islami, and if situation favours, it might join the planned simultaneous movement.
Meanwhile, Ganatantra Mancha, an alliance of seven parties, has said it would go to the BNP's Nayapaltan office today to discuss formation of a liaison committee for waging a concurrent movement.
Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna made a statement announcing the Mancha's 14-point demand for political, economic and cultural rights of people.
BNP standing committee member Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain said the liaison committee would be formed to wage a simultaneous movement.
"A national unity is a must to oust the fascist government. So, we have taken the initiative to unite all democratic forces to wage the simultaneous movement," Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, BNP standing committee member, told The Daily Star yesterday.
Tuku said the bigger the concurrent movement would be, the more trust it would earn and the more pressure would be on the government.
The BNP had talked to other parties twice in phases, formally and informally. The opposition parties and forces agreed to the concurrent movement and at the same time talked about reforms in state structure.
BNP sources said the party has had talks with 35 political parties and platforms, including Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rob), Nagorik Oikya, Biplabi Workers Party, Gonosamhati Andolon, and Gono Adhikar Parishad.
"We have made open calls to forge national unity. Many of the political parties have already responded positively and gradually all the opposition forces will come and join our simultaneous movement," Nazrul Islam Khan, a coordinator of the 20-party alliance, said.