Our Correspondent:
The Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) has declared its intent to contest all 300 seats independently in the upcoming national elections while reaffirming its commitment to working for the people and upholding democracy.
GOP General Secretary Rashed Khan made the announcement in an interview with bdreports24.com on Thursday (February 13, 2024). He stated that while the party had previously collaborated with the BNP to uphold democratic values, GOP members are now actively engaging with the public to solidify their presence.
Rashed Khan also revealed that the GOP has launched a nationwide programme demanding a ban on and trial of ousted Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, along with other AL leaders, for their alleged involvement in killings during the student-led mass uprising.
The weeklong programme aims to press for the reconstitution of the interim government’s advisory council and the announcement of an election roadmap. According to a written statement from Khan, the countrywide movement will include protest rallies, leaflet distributions, and mass campaigns from February 12 to February 19 to push forward the party’s five-point demand
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Among their demands are justice for those involved in the July massacre, the exclusion of accused individuals from politics, and a restructured advisory council formed in consultation with uprising stakeholders to facilitate national reforms. Additional demands include documenting and compensating those injured or martyred during the uprising and past democratic struggles, as well as prosecuting individuals allegedly involved in corruption and money laundering.
Furthermore, GOP is calling for the trial of those responsible for enforced disappearances and killings under what they refer to as the “fascist Hasina regime” over the past 16 years. They also demand accountability for election fraud in 2014, 2018, and 2024.
GOP Vice-President Faruk Hasan, along with senior party members Abu Hanif, Habibur Rahman Reezu, Mazedul Islam, Sohidul Islam, and Ilyas Mia, were present at the press conference.
As part of their movement, GOP’s Dhaka city unit is set to hold a protest rally in front of the National Press Club on February 14. Leaflet distributions and mass campaigns will continue nationwide from February 12 to February 18, with district-level protests scheduled for February 19.
