Both AL, BNP see new alliance a positive sign

The ruling Awami League and its political arch-rival BNP are sensing a new polarisation in politics ahead of the upcoming general election and they see it as a positive sign for democracy.

“The process of forging an alliance with political parties is a new polarisation in politics and it is a good sign,” Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said today.

Pointing to formation of a liaison committee of several political parties to forge an alliance beyond the combines led by Awami League and BNP, Quader said, “Holding such meetings among different parties is a beauty of politics.”

“We will welcome the new polarisation in politics ahead of the upcoming general election,” Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, came up with the remarks while talking to reporters at the Daffodil International University's auditorium in Dhanmondi area of Dhaka.

Election is a matter of strategies and all parties can devise the strategies to win the polls battle, Quader said keeping faith in the mass people to win the next polls.

Quader was addressing an anti-drug seminar at the university auditorium.

Besides, praising the initiatives, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam said his party will extend supports to those who will stand against the "illegal" and "immoral" Awami League-led government.

“We will extend our all out supports to the initiative if it is taken in favour of the country its people and democracy,” Fakhrul said while addressing a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office in Dhaka.

“There is no democracy, human rights and rule of law in the country. The government is trying to establish control in the judiciary,” Fakhrul said blaming the ruling Awami League for hanging onto power forcibly.    

On Wednesday night, several political parties met and formed a liaison committee aiming to forge an alliance. Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna was given the helm of the committee.

The meeting, held at the Baridhara residence of Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, lasted two and a half hour from 8:30pm.

Jatiya Party Co-Chair GM Quader, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob) President ASM Abdur Rob, Manna, Gono Forum Executive President Subrata Chowdhury and BDB leader Mahi B Chowdhury, among others, attended the meeting.