DHAKA, 16 March 2004 — Leading constitutional lawyer and former Foreign Minister Kamal Hossain has formed a pressure group of politicians, intellectuals and civil society activists to exert pressure on the government of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to combat “sickening politics” in Bangladesh.
Oikya Prachesta, named for its move for political unity, issued on Sunday a six-month ultimatum to the government to return to the “track of sound politics” and turn its back on “violence and corruption”.
“We give you six months’ time to return to the track of sound politics,” said Hossain at a gathering of several thousand people at the national convention of Oikya Prachesta here.
“Shun your sickening politics by closing down Hawa Bhaban, ensuring the surrender of the hardcore criminals of your party and curbing violence and corrupt practices.”
He warned the government there would be a “mass investigation” if it does not meet the deadline.
The convention was also addressed by former president and convener of another move for developing an “alternative stream of politics” A.Q.M. Badruddoza Chowdhury, Krishak Sramik Janata League President Abdul Kader Siddiq, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haq Inu, Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti’s Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma (Santu Larma).
Kamal bitterly criticized the government for using goons to infringe the rights of the opposition. “Politics is no longer a means of serving the poor,” he said, and had “become a corrupt business for self-seekers”.
Abdul Kader Siddiqi urged people to play an effective role in the growth of a “positive” political culture.
The convention put forward a 17-point charter of demands.
