Want local government elections first: Citizens’ Committee

The National Citizen's Committee has called for organising the local government elections ahead of the national election. 

Speaking to reporters after the first meeting of the National Consensus Commission today, the committee's Convener Nasir Uddin Patwari said they also sought new constitution is presented through the people's mandate. 

"We have made it clear today to the chief adviser and all political parties that we are working towards writing a new constitution and fighting for the national election through the people's mandate to ensure that no fascist can ever enter Bangladesh." 

"To drive the last nail into fascism's coffin, we have begun this fight afresh," he said, adding, "We have officially initiated efforts for reforms in the government. We have begun the battle for a new constitution."

Noting that people injured during the July uprising led by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement are still in their rehabilitation process, Patwari said, "The chief adviser has assured us they will begin the process of justice from today."

At the briefing, Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of the committee, said, "Our first and foremost responsibility after the uprising is to bring the murderers to justice. We have made this clear from our side [in the meeting]."

"We do not expect any interference in this judicial process. We have also made this clear."

He further said, "If we ever witness anything like this, we will once again protest, either through the National Citizens' Committee or the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement."