After weeks of talks and intense negotiations, the BNP and three other political parties formally launched an alliance called Jatiya Oikyo Front yesterday, just months before the national election. The alliance, which also includes Dr Kamal Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Prokriya, unveiled an 11-point goals and promised to bring sweeping reforms in governance if voted to power. "We are making the call for a national unity in the interest of the nation, not for any particular political party. We expect others to join the Jatiya Oikya Front," Dr Kamal told a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club last evening.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader says the country’s people would never accept any ‘Jatiya Oikkya’ (national unity) with the August 21 grenade attackers.

Regard-less of his distinguished credentials as a jurist and academic, Dr Kamal Hossain was once a formidable politician. He was the country's first law minister, leading the constitution drafting committee.

Dr Kamal Hossain-led platform Jatiya Oikya Prokriya has called for a human chain on October 7 to press for its demand for an election-time neutral government.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith says the next national election will be held as per the constitution and no conspiracies will be able to obstruct it.

Jatiya Oikya Prokriya Convener Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday said the people in power did not want a greater national unity of people for holding of a free, fair and inclusive election under a nonpartisan government.