The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BSD) yesterday demanded an early national election with the participation of all parties, as a means of strengthening democratic process and achieving greater political stability.
Mujahidul Islam Selim, the president of CPB, speaking at a press conference, said the government formed through the 10th parliamentary election lacked credibility as it came through a non-inclusive election. The conference was organised jointly by CPB and BSD to highlight the parties’ thoughts on the upazila parishad elections.
Urging the election commission to hold the upazila elections in a fair manner, Selim said it was important that the forthcoming elections were held in a fair manner and paved way for a stronger, more effective upazila councils.
“This way we can ensure decentralisation of power at the grassroots,” he added.
The left leaders demanded allocation of increased funds for the upazila councils and an end to unsolicited interference of the members of parliament in the activities of local government bodies.
They also said they would field their candidates separately for the elections and announced countrywide demonstrations in support of empowering local government bodies, to be held on February 3.
Among others, CPB presidium member Haider Akbar Khan Rano, BSD General Secretary Khalequzzaman, central leaders Bazlur Rashid Firoz and Razequzzaman Ratan were also present at the press conference.
