Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain has said he does not have any desire to run for election or hold any public office.

“I am happy to clarify, for those who have been making virulent, baseless and persistent personal attacks on me, that I have no desire to be a candidate in any election or seek any public office,” he said at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday.

“I will continue to work for building a democratic, secular and pluralistic society,” he said.

He also said the Special Powers Act, 1974 and other “black laws” needed to be scrapped and the Jatiya Oikyafront should include the task in its goals.

On October 13, the BNP and three other political parties, including the Gono Forum, formally launched Jatiya Oikyafront, which unveiled an 11-point goals and promised sweeping reforms in governance, if voted to power.

Dr Kamal reiterated that the alliance would continue to work for forging unity among different parties and citizens' groups as well as fulfilling its commitment to build a democratic and secular state.

He said, “There is no further involvement among parties except pursuing these objectives for ensuring a free and fair election.

“It should not in any way be construed as support for the Jamaat or any particular leader, including Tarique Rahman.”

For a free and fair election, the Gono Forum president put forward seven conditions, including dissolution of parliament, resignation of the cabinet and formation of a neutral and non-partisan polls-time government in consultation with all political parties.

Asked whether they would wage any movement if their demands were not met, he said, “We are mobilising public opinion which is one kind of movement.”