The Daily Morning Voice Online Desk: Ganatantra Mancha, an alliance of seven political parties, has announced protest rallies in all districts of the country on January 25 as part of its ongoing movement against the government. Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan, General Secretary of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), announced the new sets of programs from today’s demonstration in Dhaka, protesting electricity price hike. “January 25 is a scandalous day in the history of our politics. A one-party system (BaKSAL) was introduced on this day, and our democracy, freedom of the press, and voting rights were taken away,” he said. “We will hold protest rallies in all districts on that day to establish voting rights, a democratic regime, to save the people, and overthrow this illegal government,” he added.

Around hundreds of leaders and activists from the alliance joined today’s demonstration. Saiful Haque, general secretary of Bangladesh-er Biplobi Workers Party, said that Bangladesh would not have had to take a $4.5 billion IMF loan if “there were no corruption and looting over the last 14 years.” Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of Ganasamhati Andolon, said there can be no election under the current government. “The BNP and other parties are also protesting. We will continue our fight to overthrow the government and establish voting rights,” he said.

Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, Mir Mofazzel Hossain, Habibur Rahman Habib of Bangladesh Bhasani Parishad, Hasnat Kayum, chief coordinator Rastra Songskar Andolon, and Shahidullah Kaiser, General Secretary of Nagarik Oikya, also spoke at today’s demonstration. The alliance of seven opposition parties was launched on August 8 last year with the objective to conduct a united movement against the government. The components of the alliance are: Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rob), Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh-er Biplobi Workers Party, Ganasamhati Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Bhasani Onusari Parishad, and Rastra Sangskar Andolon.