By launching a coalition with the BNP, Gano Forum chief Dr Kamal Hossain has “sold himself to evil forces”, says a senior Awami League leader.
“I am surprised that Dr Kamal sold himself to evil forces so easily. He didn’t say a word even after so much violence and blatant attack on the police,” Mohammad Nasim, a member of the policymaking Presidium, said on Saturday (Nov 17).
Wednesday’s clash between BNP supporters and police seemed premeditated, he said while briefing the media at the party’s Bangabandhu Avenue headquarters after a meeting of the ruling party-led 14-party Alliance, which he serves as the spokesperson.
After intense negotiation, Dr Kamal Hossain launched the Jatiya Oikya Front last month with BNP, which now consists of three other parties. On Thursday, the coalition has announced to contest the election using BNP’s polls logo ‘paddy sheaf’.
Speculations are rife that if the alliance forms the government then Dr Kamal will be president and acting BNP chief Tarique Rahman will be the prime minister. However, the alliance’s top leaders evaded a direct answer on Friday, when newspaper editors raised the issue during a discussion.
“What can people expect from a party who has not yet been able to decide who their leader will be? For example, it has been decided that Sheikh Hasina will be the prime minister if we win the polls,” ruling party leader Nasim said on Saturday.
A cabinet member, Nasim said that they believe that the opposition coalition was preparing for the election slated for Dec 30.
“Cooperate with the Election Commission. We will accept the people’s mandate without any question,” he added.