United News of Bangladesh

Gono Forum President Emeritus Dr Kamal Hossain on Sunday urged all to remain alert so that no evil forces or conspiracies can create obstacles in rebuilding Bangladesh that was dreamt of through the country's blood-stained victory and the great Liberation War. “The main goal of the freedom — gained through the great Liberation War — was to establish democracy, justice, human rights and build a society free from exploitation. But we have failed to achieve that in the last 54 years,” he said at a programme organised by Gono Forum marking his 88th birthday at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital. Mentioning that a new opportunity has been created to establish democracy and justice through the mass movement and uprising of the last year, he said people are now dreaming of a new Bangladesh free from discrimination. Dr Kamal hoped that the unity of students in the current situation will create a new horizon in the efforts to rebuild the country. BNP holds talks with Gono Forum, NDM to intensify pressure on govt over election-time “We have to remember that in the past democratic institutions of the state were almost rendered ineffective by partisanship,” said Dr Kamal who was the chairman of 1972 constitution drafting committee. He said it is necessary to reform these institutions and create a fair election environment, adding that it is the moral responsibility of all political parties and people to fully support the interim government that has been established under the leadership of Prof Muhammad Yunus. The former law and foreign minister added that the timely implementation of the reforms will pave the way for a democratic transition through a free and fair election. He also expressed deep respect for the martyrs of last year’s mass movement and offered condolences for the injured.  

As part of its ongoing discussions with allies, aiming to create pressure on the government to hold the next national election in December, BNP on Wednesday held separate meetings with Gono Forum and the National Democratic Movement (NDM). BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru  Mahmud Chowdhury and Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu met leaders of the two parties separately at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Speaking to reporters after the meetings, Khosru said, “We are discussing election-related issues with our ally parties. Everyone agrees that it is essential to have a government that truly represents the people through a fair election.” “Political parties have already submitted their reform proposals to the Consensus Commission. The commission should now present the agreed points to the public. The delay in doing so is raising questions and creating confusion among the people about the election and reform process,” he added. Fakhrul calls for unity to restore democracy Gono Forum was represented by its Presidium Member Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, while NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj represented his party during the discussions. Since April 17, BNP has been holding meetings with its allies and like-minded groups to chart the next course of action. So far, it has held discussions with the 12-party alliance, the BNP-led nationalist alliance, LDP, CPB, BSD, Labour Party, Gono Odhikar Parishad, among others.

Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh and Gono Forum on Sunday took part in a discussion with President Abdul Hamid on the formation of Election Commission. The tenure of the current EC will end on 14 February this year, according to the constitution. President's press secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB that Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh and Gono Forum participated in the discussion at 6pm and 7pm respectively. An eight-member delegation led by Mokabbir Khan, Executive President of Gono Forum, took part in the discussion held at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban. Also read: No scope now for law on EC formation: Law Minister Welcoming both parties seperately at Bangabhaban, Abdul Hamid said the aim of the talks was to seek the views of political parties on forming an acceptable election commission.  

The proposed budget for the 2020-21 fiscal “represents an unimaginative response to an economic crisis that calls for boldness and creativity”, according to Dr Reza Kibria, general secretary of Gono Forum.