Nat'l govt needed for polls atmosphere: Zafrullah

Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury on Wednesday advocated for the formation of a national government for two years to create the proper atmosphere for a fair and credible election in the country.

“I think a national government should be established for at least two years. If it’s not done, democracy won’t be restored and a fair election won’t be possible in any way in the country,” he said.

Speaking at a discussion, he said Awami League will benefit much if the national government is established in the country.

“Awami League will also have a representative in that government. Maybe Sheikh Rehana can be the representative. But it’s a matter of Awami League,” he said.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob) arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the historic first flag hoisting day.

On March 2, 1971, then Vice President of Dhaka University Central Students Union (Ducsu) ASM Abdur Rob first hoisted the country’s flag adorned the map of an independent Bangladesh at a student gathering at Dhaka University.

About the probable format of the national government, Dr Zafrullah, also a freedom fighter, said all the major parties will have representatives in it with some notable citizens of the country.

He said the main objective of the national government will be to establish the truth and justice.

"If justice and fairness are established in the country, then March 2, March 3 and March 7 will be observed officially, and the true history of independence will be known,” Zafrullah observed.

Stating that one person did not liberate Bangladesh, he said many people, including Abdul Kader Siddique, Sirajul Alam Khan, Ziaur Rahman and ASM Abdur Rob, had contributions to it.

“A 30-year-old man, Abdur Rob, dared hoist the flag at that time while Major Ziaur Rahman declared independence on behalf of Bangabandhu. Calling him (Zia) a Pakistani spy and making derogatory comments against him is a betrayal,” he observed.

Speaking at the programme, JSD president Abdur Rob said the 'parasites' and 'weeds' those who had no contributions to the country’s independence are now in the government and the cabinet.  “They must be ousted and thrown in the Bay of Bengal.”

He said no national election will be allowed to hold under the current Awami League government since it remained in power by indulging in 'vote robbery' at night.   “We don’t accept this government. They're thieves, robbers, murderers and oppressors.”

Rob said people’s voting rights will have to be restored by holding a credible and neutral election after necessary reforms of the state following the fall of the current regime through a mass movement. “Let's establish a national government on the basis of consensus through a mass movement.”

He said there is no point in the formation of the new election commission as people have no confidence in the current regime. “It won’t be possible to hold a neutral election under the present government. We’ll arrange a free and fair election through the national government ousting the current one.”