Govt breached its promise to ensure a level-playing field

Prof AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, chief of Juktofront, an alliance of opposition parties, yesterday alleged that the government has “breached” its promise to ensure a level-playing field by not allowing them to go to Satkhira by a helicopter to join a public rally.

“It's certain that the government has directly or indirectly taken steps to stop our public rally. We strongly protest and condemn this anti-democratic move. It's a clear violation of their pledge to create a level-playing field,” he said in a statement. Prof Badruddoza said the breach of commitment does not reflect the government's good will.

The former president also said Juktofront was all set to hold a rally in Satkhira arranged by Bikolpodhara Bangladesh's presidium member and a potential candidate for the upcoming election, HM Golam Reza. 

“But the airport authorities did not allow the helicopter carrying Juktofront leaders and journalists to take off yesterday morning,” he added.

He pointed out that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during her recent talks with Juktofront, made a commitment that they will be allowed to hold rallies and campaigns anywhere in the country for the sake of ensuring a level-playing field.