The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Politicians, professionals and intellectuals at a roundtable discussion yesterday called upon the nationalists and patriotic Islamic-minded people to build unity among them for saving the country's sovereignty and independence.

"Internal and external evil forces are still hatching conspiracy to make Bangladesh as 'failed' state and the nationalist forces should have to deal with it vigorously," they observed at the discussion on "Tragedy on October 28: Present Political Scenario of the Country" at the VIP lounge of the Jatiya Press Club.

Chirantan Bangladesh Kendriya Sangsad (CBKS) organised the discussion that was presided over by Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, president, CBKS while Hamdullah Al Mehedi, Secretary General of the organisation offered vote of thanks.

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice Mohammad Abdur Rouf and Brig Gen (Retd) ASM Hannan Shah, Adviser to the BNP chairperson, were present as chief and special guests respectively.

" The forthcoming parliamentary elections is crucial for transferring the power to the elected government and we should be cautious so that no quarter could create another 1/11," speakers observed.

They urged the political leaders not to yield to foreign diplomat's dictations over the internal affairs of the country.

Terming the heinous killings on October 28, 2006 by a political party as 'blot' on the nation's history, ASM Hannan Shah said those who did not want to see Bangladesh as 'self-reliant' country had intentionally created anarchy on that day for halting the country's peace and progress.

"We want to participate in the elections and the caretaker government as well as the Election Commission (EC) should create favourable atmosphere for polls," he added.

He, however, said if the four-party alliance was voted to power then they would hold trial of those who were involved in the killings on October 28.

Highlighting the importance for maintaining the constitutional rule, Justice Mohammad Abdur Rouf said, "Elections must be held on December 18 at any cost for civilian elected government rule". He called upon the EC to hold free and fair election.

Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, joint secretary general and Ismail Hossain Bengal of BNP, Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, assistant secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiul Alam Prodhan, president of Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (JAGPA), columnist Sadek Khan, Prof Dr Mahbubullah, Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Alhaj Tofazzal Hossain, Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun, among others, attended the discussion.