Don’t hold ‘manipulated polls’

Veteran politician and freedom fighter Pankaj Bhattacharya yesterday asked whether citizens can exercise their voting rights during the tenure of the current government, under which several “controversial” polls have been held.

Speaking at a rally in front of National Museum in the capital, the Oikya Nap president also told the government not to arrange any such election in the future that is “controlled by its administration”.

Civic platform Sammilito Samajik Andolon (SSA) and Anandan, a cultural organisation, jointly arranged the event as part of their Victory Day celebration.

“We fought the Liberation War to break free from the then communal Pakistan and form a non-communal Bangladesh. But could we stick to that path?” wondered Pankaj.

“We separated from Pakistan to establish people’s right to vote, but can people freely exercise that right at present?” he asked.

“I warn the government not to arrange any manipulated vote in future,” he added.

The senior politician also said the country is moving forward fast in terms of economy, but the fact remains that inequality and gap among the rich and poor are also increasing simultaneously -- contradicting the spirit of Liberation War.

“We must now ponder whether this type of development is necessary for the people,” he said.

Noted cultural personality Laila Hasan said the anti-liberation and communal forces are trying to rise once again in the country. Youths of the nation will have to remain cautious and resist these forces, she said.

“We tried to build the country imbued with the spirit of Liberation War, but unfortunately we failed. Now it’s your turn. We are giving you [youths] the responsibility to finish our unfinished task,” said Laila Hasan.

Liberation War Museum Trustee and SSA President Ziauddin Tariq Ali also spoke at the programme, among others.

Several artists of Anandan performed a number of songs and recited poems on the occasion.