Eight left parties have launched a new platform styled 'Left Democratic Alliance' to strengthen the alternative political force against bad politics.
The parties formally announced the journey of the new alliance on Wednesday at a press conference at Mukti Bhaban in the capital, reports UNB.
The eight parties are Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), Bangladesher Biplobi Workers Party, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist), Gano Sanghati Andolon, Bangladesher United Communist League, Ganotantrik Biplobi Party and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Andolon.
Speaking at the programme, BSD general secretary Khalequzzaman said, "We must restore the real spirit of the Liberation War discarding doing business with it. We'll have to resist the use of religion in politics. The alliance was launched with these goals."
CPB president Mujahidul Islam Selim said they did not float the new alliance to get the share of power as it is not based on only vote.
Asked whether the alliance will join the next polls, he said no election will be free and fair under the current regime, and they launched the new platform to wage a movement against farcical polls. "We can join or boycott the polls depending on the situation."
Selim said it will not be possible to ensure a level-playing field if the current parliament which lacks people's mandate is not dissolved.
He said the Election Commission must be reconstituted and the election system reformed before the announcement of the 11th parliamentary elections' schedule.
General Secretary of Biplobi Workers Party and coordinator of the new alliance Saiful Haque read out a written speech, and presented the Left Democratic Alliance's next course of actions.
As part of the programmes, the alliance will stage demonstration programmes across the country, including in front of the Jatiya Press Club in the capital, on July 24 demanding that people's democratic rights be restored.
It will also arrange a views-exchange meeting in the city on August 4 demanding the reform in the present election system.
Besides, the central leaders of the alliance will hold rallies in six divisional cities on August 10 and 11 next.