Political parties have been urged to refrain from nominating anti-liberation candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections. They also demanded protection of religious minorities.
The members of Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee made the demand at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Tuesday.
President of the committee, Shahriar Kabir, said a Religious Minorities Protection Act should be enacted to safeguard the people.
In the backdrop of increased vulnerability ahead of the election, Nirmul committee members said Anti-liberation political groups have always suppressed minorities.
Religious minorities have not been able to exercise their right to vote because anti-liberation political groups have repressed them, he claimed.
Eminent historian, Professor Muntassir Mamoon, said if the anti-liberation forces come to power, terrorism will be widespread in the country.
The Election Commission should be more cautious regarding the nomination of anti-liberation candidates in the upcoming election, he added.
We have visited several areas, especially those inhabited by religious minorities, to learn about their situation . Many points, including fear of exercising their rights are apparent, President Shahriar Kabir said.
“Fear of terrorist activities and communal violence, sometimes leading to loss of lives, was also apparent. At present most minorities are passing days and nights in fear of unexpected attack.”
To ensure the right of free and fair voting and also to ensure the participation of all political parties in the election, policy makers should refrain from nominating anti liberation candidates, he added.
“In Bangladesh, there are 92 polling areas where the number of religious minority voters is 12%-48%. These people are now in very much vulnerable condition.
“To protect their rights and secure their lives in this situation, people from all walks of life should stand against communal violence. An alert and prompt government is very much essential to preventing communal violence,” he added.
