Jatiya Oikya Prokriya Convener Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday said there is no alternative to holding the next general election in a free and fair way, to ensure change in power.

“A free and fair election is the only way to a smooth change in power, and we will have to reinforce our movement for this purpose,” Dr Kamal said from a human chain in front of Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.

Dr Kamal Hossain, also president of Gano Forum, said the country does not belong to any individual, family or political party; rather people are the owners of the land.

The Oikya Prokriya has called upon the government to free all political prisoners from jail to create a congenial atmosphere ahead of the upcoming polls but the government did not heed their demand, he said.

“Thousands of fictitious cases are being lodged against leaders and activists of the opposition parties. And thus, we will have to strengthen our movement,” he said.

Citing several misdeeds and mismanagement of the ruling Awami League, Kamal Hossain said thousands of crores of taka are being looted and trafficked abroad without creating job opportunities and setting up new factories in the country.

“It means the pledges of the Liberation War are not being upheld. We, the countrymen, will bring change in power collectively,” he added.

From a rally held at Mohanagar Natya Mancha in Dhaka on September 22, the Oikya Prokriya issued an ultimatum, asking the government to form a polls-time government by September 30 to oversee the next general election.

Later on October 1, Oikya Prokriya, at a press conference, called for the human chain to press home their demand for an election-time neutral government.

Dr Kamal also warned that the government will have to take the responsibility if any chaos breaks out without an acceptable polls-time government.

Stating that impossible can be made possible through people's united strength, Dr Kamal said no autocratic government can deprive people of their rights if a greater unity is forged.

“We have a history of realising public demands with the united strength of people. We had to unite during the Language Movement, Six-Point Movement, Liberation War and anti-autocracy movement, and made the impossible possible. We will surely be able to do it this time too,” he said.