The major parliamentary opposition Jatiya Party has unveiled its plans for the 11th parliamentary polls while announcing a number of demands and future visions for the country if it comes to power.
At a grand rally yesterday, Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad urged the government to ensure a proper atmosphere to hold a free and fair election.
He was unveiling his party's 18-point goals to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh, at the rally organized by Ershad-led United National Alliance at the Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.
The alliance comprises of JaPa, Bangladesh Islamic Front, the Islamic Moha Jote and the Bangladesh Jatiya Jote. The Islamic Moha Jote is made up of 34 Islamic groups and the Bangladesh Jatiya Jote is made up of 22 groups.
However, only JaPa and Bangladesh Islamic Front are registered among the parties of the alliance.
The 18-point goal includes forming provincial governments, bringing a change to the election system, introducing a full and organized upazila system, reserving seats for minorities, and independence of the judiciary.
Issues like ensuring road safety for all; strict action against extremism, effective steps for energy and electricity production, ensuring food security, amendment of the education system and enhancement of healthcare facilities were also listed among the goals.
At the rally, Ershad also voiced his concerns about how the upcoming election will be conducted.
He said: "We are concerned whether the election will be held, as a party has declared their seven-point demand which is not possible to fulfill under present circumstances.
“But we will participate in the polls, and we want a congenial atmosphere for a free and fair election."
Regarding the election-time government, Ershad said the government must be formed with all parties now in parliament.
In September, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said a government may be formed with representatives from the political parties having representation in parliament.
Ershad urged party leaders and activists to prepare for the polls as the party will contest in all 300 constituencies. He said a national parliamentary board will be formed within the JaPa this month, where nominations will be finalized.
"The upcoming election might be the last one for me. I have sacrificed myself for the country and the nation," he said.
In her address, JaPa Senior Co-chairman Raushon Ershad said the party has to be organized at any cost to get to power. "We have to do so as we need to get to power, she added.
Party Co-Chairman GM Qader, Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, presidium member Syed Abu Hossain Babla, Salma Islam and SM Foysal Chishti and Fokhrul Imam, were some who addressed the rally.
