Jatiya Oikyafront leader Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday said he was more concerned about a free and fair national election than about the polls-time government.

“I am not attaching importance to the government. I am giving importance to a free and fair election,” he said while responding to a query from a journalist.

Kamal, also president of Gonoforum, a component of the newly formed Oikyafront, was talking to reporters after addressing a programme, organised by his party at its office in the capital, marking the Jail Killing Day.

Read more

14-PARTY-OIKYAFRONT TALKS: Not much resolved

Asked whether the alliance would contest the upcoming election under the present government if a favourable environment was ensured, he said they had to be sure that steps were being taken every day for holding a free and fair election.

“If the government ensures it, we will [take part] for sure.”

On Thursday, a 20-member delegation of Oikyafront, led by Kamal, had a discussion with the Awami League-led alliance at the Gono Bhaban. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the AL president, led the team of the ruling alliance.

The dialogue was focused on reaching a consensus over holding the next general election in a fair, credible and inclusive manner.

After the three-and-half hour long talks, Kamal said they found no specific solution in prime minister's speech.

At yesterday's programme, the eminent jurist said the process for reaching a consensus was still underway. “Everything is possible if talks are held with an open mind.”

He said Oikyafront members went to the Gono Bhaban after making a proposal for talks with the PM. All the participants of the dialogue were pro-independence individuals and believers in Bangabandhu's ideology.

“What we expected from her is an assurance for ensuring an environment for fair polls so that no one can get an opportunity to commit any wrongdoing.”

Holding a free and fair election was not a matter of the government's will, but its constitutional duty, he added.

Kamal said the election had to be free and fair and ensuring this was the government's prime task.

He said there was misconception that a movement means torching of properties, but in true sense it meant unity and power of the people.

The veteran politician criticised excessive spending by lawmaker aspirants during campaigns, saying it was unnecessary in a country like Bangladesh.

About the Jail Killing Day, he said those who had plotted the killings thought that the country would not be able to make a turnaround, but they have been proved wrong.

On November 3, 1975, national leaders Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, AHM Quamruzzaman and M Mansur Ali were assassinated inside the erstwhile Dhaka central jail.