Bangladesh: New opposition alliance Ganatantra Manch launched

Seven opposition political parties in Bangladesh have formally announced the formation of an alliance called ‘Ganatantra Mancho’ on Monday. The political parties held a press conference in Dhaka on Monday to announce that the Mancho will work to build a movement against the government. The decision to float a new alliance was taken earlier on May 29 during a meeting of these parties. Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Nagarik Oikya, Biplobi Workers Party, Ganosamhati Andolon, Gono Adhikar Parishad, Bhasani Anusari Parishad and Rashtra Songskar Andolan are part of the new political alliance. 
JSD President ASM Abdur Rob said that the alliance has specific proposals regarding reform in the constitutional institutions and governance in the country. The Nagarik Oikya convener Mahmudr Rahman Manna said that the alliance calls for an interim government based on political consensus to ensure a credible election, reports UNB. He said that the political program of the alliance will start with a demonstration in Dhaka on 11 August. Before the 2018 election some of the political formations like JSD, Nagarik Oikya and Gonoforum  included in the new alliance had formed another political platform named Jatiya Oikyafront together  with the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). However, the forum became inactive after the elections.