Democratic reform, an end to inequality

Gonotantrik Juktafront yesterday unveiled its election manifesto ahead of the 13th national election scheduled for February 12, calling for a complete democratic restructuring of the state and an end to inequality, corruption, and authoritarian rule.

The manifesto was announced by BSD General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, also a central leader of the alliance, at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.

In its opening statement, the alliance said despite Bangladesh’s birth through the Liberation War in 1971, people’s aspirations remain unfulfilled even after 54 years.

It blamed successive governments -- both military rulers and elected regimes -- for failing to establish genuine democracy and for allowing corruption, repression and inequality to deepen.

The manifesto strongly criticised the past 15 years of rule, saying state institutions were destroyed by corruption, enforced disappearances, killings and vote rigging.

Referring to the July uprising, in which more than a thousand people were killed and thousands injured, the alliance said the people are still waiting for justice and meaningful change.

Among its key pledges, Gonotantrik Juktafront promised to restore democratic rights, including freedom of speech, assembly and political activities.

It vowed to repeal repressive laws, ensure an independent judiciary, reform the police and make the Anti-Corruption Commission fully independent.

The alliance also proposed major electoral reforms, including restoring paper ballots, scrapping electronic voting machines, introducing the right to recall lawmakers and ensuring voting rights for expatriates.

On the economy, the manifesto focused on curbing price hikes, breaking market syndicates, creating jobs and reducing inequality.

It pledged state intervention in essential goods, progressive taxation and increased spending on health, education and agriculture.

The alliance also promised free primary healthcare, food security through rationing, fair wages for workers and equal rights for women.

Calling for a people-based political force, the alliance urged voters to support its candidates to transform parliament into a platform for the rights of workers, farmers and the oppressed.