Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince has warned of the growing rise of right-wing ultra-reactionary and communal groups in the country. He stressed that while free, fair, and credible elections are urgently needed to ensure democracy, certain quarters are trying to obstruct the process.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the CPB’s 13th National Congress on Friday at the Institution of Engineers, Dhaka, Prince accused some government advisers and pro-government political parties of playing roles that raise questions about the timely holding of elections. He also alleged that imperialist powers are aggressively seeking dominance over Bangladesh.
The congress began with the hoisting of the national and party flags, the national anthem, and floral tributes at the temporary Shaheed Minar. Abu Sayeed, chair of the Congress Preparatory Committee, presided over the opening session.
Prince declared, “To build democracy and a society free of inequality, it is essential to end the criminalized economy and politics, and to assemble a principled left-democratic alternative force. This is the urgent duty of our time.”
He further said the congress would set out both immediate and long-term programs to strengthen the struggle for a democratic and equal society.
According to CPB, more than 600 delegates and observers, including 550 representatives from across the country, are attending the congress. The council session will be held from September 20–22 at the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) auditorium in Topkhana Road.