Jatiya Oikya Prokriya is set to organize a human chain in Dhaka on October 7, in the demand for voting rights for all citizens.
The platform, led by eminent jurist Dr Kamal Hossain, will also use the human chain to protest against the government's move to not form a non-party election-time government by September 30, as demanded by the platform earlier on September 22.
"We will hold a human chain in front of the National Press Club at 4pm on October 7," said ABM Mostafa Amin, member secretary of the platform. "We will demand voting rights for all, and a non-party government during the election."
When asked whether all five political parties under the Jatiya Oikya Prokriya would participate in the human chain, Amin said: "Parties are not an in issue in our platform. Under this platform, we want to unite the people of Bangladesh so they get the chance to observe their rights."
The alliance was initiated by the AQM Badruddoza-led Juktofront and Dr Kamal Hossain’s Gana Forum.
At present, the platform consists of the Dr Kamal Hossain led Gana Forum, former president Dr AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury led Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, ASM Rob led Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Kader Siddique led Krishak Sramik Janata League, and Mahmudur Rahman Manna led Nagorik Oikya.
However, Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna said they were not aware of the initiative to form the human chain.
“Jatiya Oikya Prokriya did not consult us before calling the rally," he said. "If they ask us for suggestions, we will discuss any issues with them."
The main aim of the platform is to ensure the rights of the citizens of Bangladesh as per the country’s constitution, including voting rights, democracy, rule of law, independence of the judiciary, and no disparity between urban and rural communities, Mostafa Amin said.
“Although 47 years have passed, the rights, as mentioned in the constitution, have not been ensured in this country," he added. "The platform is trying to unite people from all classes to lead the country by implementing the promises made in the constitution."
