A new political platform, Bangladesh Jonorashtro Andolan (Bangladesh People’s State Movement), has been launched with the objective of filling the vacuum of an effective opposition political force in the country.
Formed by frontline organisers of the anti-fascist movement and the July mass uprising, the platform has pledged to pursue interest-based politics and state reforms. The official launch of the organisation took place on Monday during an event held at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club in the capital.
During his presidential address, the platform’s Chief Organiser, Sardar Amirul Islam, announced a 37-member committee, appointing Muhammad Ullah Madhu as Secretary and Iqbal Hossain (Samya Shah) as Spokesperson.
Amirul Islam stated that there is currently a shortage of effective opposition parties in the country. He explained that this political initiative was taken to build public opinion on various issues affecting the populace.
The organisation intends to advocate for the public regarding the cost-of-living crisis, government irregularities, electricity price hikes, and other pertinent issues.
According to the platform’s manifesto, the journey of Jonorashtro Andolan is rooted in the aspirations of the Great Liberation War and the inspiration drawn from the July mass uprising. The organisation’s stated goals include the establishment of democracy, human dignity, social justice, and an accountable state.
The declaration further emphasises the commitment to ensuring a non-communal state system, religious freedom, civil rights, and freedom of speech. Additionally, it pledges to ensure transparency in education, health, employment, and state institutions.
Speaking at the event, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikya, remarked that the new platform must build an effective movement for the welfare of the people. He placed particular importance on job creation for the unemployed, the implementation of the BNP’s 31-point agenda, and the independence of the judiciary.
In his speech as a special guest, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare Nurul Haque Nur cautioned that a certain quarter is attempting to take control of the universal movement. He urged everyone to remain vigilant against conspiracies aimed at destabilising the country.
The manifesto was read out by the organisation’s Spokesperson, Iqbal Hossain (Samya Shah), while Secretary Muhammad Ullah Madhu delivered the welcome address.
Other speakers at the event included Subrata Chowdhury, President of Gano Forum; Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party; Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, Convener of the Bhashani Jonoshakti Party; Shahidullah Kaiser, General Secretary of Nagorik Oikya; poet Mohon Raihan; and Senior Advocate Mohsen Rashid.
The event was also attended by Shamim Reza, Chief Organiser of the Sarvobhoumotta Andolan; Mozammel Miaji, President of the Jonojote Party; and organisers of the Bangladesh Jonorashtro Andolan, including Mosharraf Hossain and Shah Alam.
