Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain announces 11-point 'Charter of National Unity'. Photo: STAR FILE

Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain today announced an 11-point “Charter for National Unity” stressing the need for electing honest and competent public representatives through a fair and inclusive election free of black money and armed cadres.

“At present, the whole nation yearns for a meaningful change which will ensure safety of people’s lives, properties, peace and stability in the society,” the noted jurist said while placing the charter at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club.

Noting that the countrymen are now living in an “abnormal situation”, Dr Kamal said corruption has become the part and parcel of the society while the highest level of the state is patronising sick politics void of principle and ideals.

“Violence in the society has taken an epidemic form. Women, children and innocent persons became victims of the violence while those responsible seem to enjoy impunity,” lamented Kamal.

The charter also says: “In a multiparty democracy, parties must transcend their partisan interests and remain committed to pursuing the national and public interests. Political parties must demonstrate mutual respect and tolerance in order to work for realising national objectives.”

In addition, the charter focused on freeing educational institutions from the political parties’ negative influence and criminal activities.

Dr Kamal said they will carry out various types of programme and will go door to door to raise awareness in favour of the charter.