Dhaka: Jatiya Oikyafront convener Dr Kamal Hossain on Monday said people’s unity is a must for ensuring a functional democracy and removing all irregularities from the country.

‘There’re representatives of some political parties here, and all are talking about consolidating the unity further. We can fulfill the desires of the country’s 16 crore people and establish a functional democracy only with the strength of unity,’ he said, reports the UNB.

Talking to reporters after a meeting of Oikyafront’s steering committee at his Motijheel chamber, Dr Kamal further said, ‘Various evil attempts are being made while people are worried as opposition leaders and activists are being arrested, repressed and attacked. People’s unity is imperative to get rid of such acts and protect people’s rights.’

He said their alliance has continued its efforts to forge a unity of the country’s people.

Dr Kamal said he sees a light of hope about ensuring the rule of law and constitutional rule in the country as people are coming up with a positive response in this regard. ‘I can say without any confusion that most people, except a few ones, have taken a positive stance in favour of the rule of law and restoring people’s rights.’

About oath taking by Oikyafront MP Sultan Mohammad Mansur, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their meeting strongly denounced his move.

He said Mansur joined a parliament which does not represent people. ‘He (Mansur) took oath going against the decision of Oikyafront and Gono Forum. We don’t recognise it as a parliament where he joined.’

Fakhrul said their alliance thinks Mansur betrayed the nation by taking oath as an MP of a ‘so-called’ parliament. ‘We also think he was sworn in illegally against his party’s will. He was not eligible to take oath against his party’s stance.’

He said their alliance will take legal action against Mansur.

On March 7, Sultan Mansur, who was elected MP from Moulvibaza-2 seat with Gono Forum’s ticket in the December-30 election using BNP’s election symbol ‘Sheaf of Paddy’, took oath as an MP.

Hours after he was sworn in, Gono Forum expelled him from the party while Oikyafront relieved him of its steering committee.

BNP along with Gono Forum and some other parties joined the December-30 election in alliance under the banner of Jatiya Oikyafront. BNP bagged six seats while Gono Forum two in the election.

The alliance turned down the election results bringing the allegation of ‘massive vote robbery’ and decided not to join parliament.