Prof Salimullah says new political parties are necessary

Jatiya Nagorik Committee Convener Nasiruddin Patwari yesterday called for a constituent assembly election so that a new constitution can be drafted.

"When we speak of future elections, we mean the election to constituent assembly [Gono Parishad], which can present the people an effective constitution," he said.

His remarks came at a time when the BNP and its allies have been repeatedly demanding the national polls at the earliest.

Nasiruddin's comments came during a Q&A session with members of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee's thana representatives. The Dhaka North unit of Jatiya Nagorik Committee organised the event at the Celebrity Convention Hall in Gulshan.

He alleged that political parties were putting pressure on the government and trying to portray it as a failed one.

"We demanded the resignation of the president, but political parties opposed it. We also called for the prosecution of those who participated in the last three elections, laundered money, and killed our brothers, and a ban on the Awami League. However, several political parties obstructed these moves," he said.

Nasiruddin stressed the need for documentary evidence of a new political settlement and the abolition of fascism.

"We hope the government will soon discuss this with political parties and provide us with a proclamation. If we can move towards a Constituent Assembly election, this proclamation will become a historic document," he added.

He criticised the interim government for being slow.

"The current government's activities do not align with the aspirations of the July uprising. People are frustrated by rising commodity prices and the deteriorating law and order," he said.

Nasiruddin said that they had hoped the government would ensure proper medical treatment of the injured and facilitate sending them abroad for better care.

"However, the July Memorial Foundation has failed to function effectively. We repeatedly asked them about steps they are taking for the injured, but they failed to provide satisfactory answers," he said.

Samantha Sharmin, spokesperson for the committee, underscored the need for reforms in the electoral process, the Election Commission, constitutional institutions, and law enforcement agencies.

"We are advocating for a Constituent Assembly election, but these reforms must be visible beforehand," she said.

Public intellectual Prof Salimullah Khan said, "My question is, what's the problem with making the announcement now? A proclamation outlines the course of action, so why is it an issue at this time?"

He said major political parties are troubled by the idea of young people forming new political parties... New political parties are also necessary."

Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, urged the government to prepare a comprehensive list of the martyrs and the injured of the July uprising.

On AL's participation in polls, Akhtar said, "The Awami League can only face one prospect, and that is justice. Jatiya Nagorik Committee will not allow the party to participate in elections."