Veteran freedom fighter Kader Siddique and his party Krishak Sramik Janata League (KSJL) yesterday joined the Jatiya Oikyafront, a newly floated political alliance.

KSJL President Kader Siddique made the announcement at a press conference at the party's central office in Dhaka's Motijheel. Several leaders of the party and the Oikyafront were present.

“From today, we are joining the Jatiya Oikyafront for an acceptable national election… We will work for the Oikyafront with all our strength. We together will wage a movement for people's freedom,” Kader said at the programme.

“Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan… many autocrats [of Pakistan before Bangladesh's independence in 1971] were defeated. This current autocratic government will also be defeated,” he added.

Speaking at the press conference, ASM Abdur Rab termed Kader Siddique's inclusion in the alliance a landmark in the country's history.

He also urged the government and the Awami League to accept their demands for holding a free and fair election. Otherwise, he threatened to go for a tougher movement.