Dr Kamal describes participation in polls with Jamaat mistake

Jatiya Oikyafront convener and Gono Forum president Dr Kamal Hossain today described as a mistake their participation in the 11th parliamentary polls with Jamaat-e-Islami.

“Whatever happened in the past involving Jamaat was an unintentional mistake. We did not know that they (Oikyafront’s crucial partner BNP) would give nominations to 22 Jamaat candidates,” he told a press conference at the party’s Arambagh central office in Dhaka.

Replying to a question, the Oikyafront leader said “We never conceived of doing politics with Jamaat. It is clear that we would not do politics with Jamaat in future too.”

Asked whether Oikyafront would request BNP to sever ties with Jamaat, Dr Kamal said “It can be conveyed to them.”

Earlier, in a written statement, the Oikyafront leader said a strong national unity should be forged in future shunning mistakes and follies made in the past to hurriedly form the Jatiya Oikyafront.

Talking to BSS, Jatiya Oikyafront leader Advocate Subrata Chowdhury said that they had no ties with Jamaat in the past and would not do so in future too.

Gono Forum, in the statement, said national council of the party will be held on March 23-24.

To strengthen the party, its central leaders will undertake organizational tours in different districts within the shortest possible time.

Gono Forum General Secretary Mostafa Mohsin Mantu was present in the press conference.