Dhaka: The overhauling of the existing system and ensuring freedom of speech and ‘functional democracy’ top the promises made by Left Democratic Alliance’s (LDA) manifesto unveiled on Wednesday.

Its convener Mohammad Shah Alam, also general secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), announced the election pledges at a press briefing around 11:30am at Mukti Bhaban in city’s Purana Paltan area, reports the UNB.

The 32-point manifesto vowed to overhaul the prime minister-centric system, amend the constitution and state system in the spirit of the Liberation War, among others. Ensuring free speech and establishing human rights and functional democracy are also on LDA’s agenda.

The alliance promised to introduce ‘No Vote’, employment assurance scheme, cutting the rich-poor discrimination, establishing women’s rights, and zero tolerance to corruption.

Preventing discrimination against the religious minorities, proper recognition of various communities, ethnic minorities and dalits were also included in the manifesto.

The LDA also promised to improve education, health and medical sectors.

In the manifesto, the alliance said looting and repression were the main goals of all the bourgeois parties in Bangladesh. ‘This is why the policy of repression has remained the same although the rulers have changed,’ it said.

Speakers at the press briefing also urged people to vote for LDA.

CPB President Mujahidul Islam Selim, Ganosamhati Andolon central leader Firoz Ahmed, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BaSad) leader Bajlur Rashid Firoj, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Huq, United Communist League General Secretary Mosharraf Hossain Nannu, and Ganatantrik Biplobi Party General Secretary Mushrefa Mishu were, among others, present at the briefing.