Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which is part of the 11-party electoral alliance, has said that the alliance marks a historic coming together of freedom fighters and the July 1975 activists—something that has not happened elsewhere. He emphasized that the nation now faces a choice: whether to remain under India’s influence or serve its own people.

Oli Ahmed made these remarks at a press conference on Thursday night at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, in Kakrail, Dhaka. The conference was organized to formally announce the 11-party electoral alliance, which includes Jamaat-e-Islami. Colonel Oli’s party will contest seven seats as part of this alliance.

Addressing the nation, Oli Ahmed said, “You have witnessed the rule of the Awami League and the BNP. Now, I urge you to strive for governance that is just, efficient, free from extortion and corruption.”

The decorated freedom fighter added, “We want to break free from the servitude of Delhi. This alliance unites freedom fighters and the July ’75 activists in a way that has never happened before. The nation must decide: will they remain under India’s control, or will they serve their own people? We aim to work as servants of the people.”

During the press briefing, Oli Ahmed also strongly criticized the Election Commission. He stated that the electoral environment in many areas currently lacks fairness and equal opportunities. “If this is not corrected, just as former Chief Election Commissioners and other commissioners ended up in jail, you (the current commission) may face jail in the future,” he warned.

Oli Ahmed urged the commission, “Do not follow others or play political games. Serve the people of Bangladesh. Do what is right for the country. Even now, many are not receiving justice. Applications submitted to the commission to grant legitimacy or reject others are not being reviewed or adjudicated properly.”

The press conference began with opening remarks from Maulana Mamunul Haque, Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. The main address was delivered by Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami. Other speakers included Nahid Islam, convener of NCP, and Ahmad Abdul Qader, Secretary General of Khelafat Majlis.

The event was moderated by H M Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami. Also present on stage were AB Party chairman Mojibur Rahman, Habibullah Miazi, Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Sarwar Kamal Azizi, Amir of Nezam-e-Islam Party, A K M Anwarul Haq, president of BDP, and Rashid Pradhan, senior vice president of Jagpa, among others.