Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher yesterday urged the BNP to sit for talks to resolve the ongoing “political crisis” centring the implementation of the July charter, the proposed referendum, and the upcoming national election.
At a press conference at Al-Falah auditorium in the capital’s Moghbazar area, he said his party does not want to engage in any “conflict or quarrel” with the BNP, regardless of any provocation from the latter.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. “People are anxious about what’s going to happen [in the run-up to the polls]. It’s the responsibility of political parties to make things clear. I urge the BNP — let’s sit together to openly discuss the current situation in the country. Let’s talk about holding a fair and beautiful election, the referendum for the July charter, and all other related issues.
“The people and political parties of Bangladesh do not want such irresponsible ambiguity. People want consensus.”
Taher added that if the two parties cannot reach a level of understanding, Jamaat will also hold such discussions with other political stakeholders to work on a guideline. “That can then evolve into a broader consensus among all parties. If that happens, we believe the nation will be able to overcome the crisis.”
He warned that fascism will reemerge if there is no understanding or election. “If you don’t want fascism, stay calm and we will stay calm too.”
Taher further said that his party does not want to “play games”. “You’ll have to play games in politics, but playing too much poses risks.”
Addressing the BNP again, he said, “Let’s talk openly, coordinate and reach an understanding and consensus on how Bangladesh can truly become an independent and sovereign nation in the coming days.”
The Jamaat leader also urged Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to “stand firm and take the right decisions”, adding, “The people will stand by you.”
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary Generals Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Maulana Abdul Halim, Central Executive Council member and Dhaka South City Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, and Executive Council member Mobarak Hossain, among others, were present at the press conference.
At a seminar in the Institution of Diploma Engineers earlier in the day, Taher said the interim government’s duty is not to appease any party but to reflect the will of the people.
“The chief adviser promised that his government’s key objectives are reforms, justice, and polls. If the government goes for election without ensuring those, it will fail to keep that promise,” he said, adding that opposing the July charter means harbouring the intention of reinstating fascism.
Taher further said, “No one forced BNP to sign the July charter. They read it, understood it, and signed it willingly. They even celebrated the signing like Eid. Now they are making absurd remarks.”
Rejecting BNP’s call to hold the national election and referendum on the same day, he said, “They claim that holding the referendum and election on the same day would save Tk 3,000 crore. But without the legality of the July charter, the country will continue to lose direction.
“Sheikh Hasina shed tears not for the martyrs or the wounded but for the damage done to the metro rail. Likewise, Tk 3,000 crore is more valuable for the BNP than the blood of 2,000 martyrs and over 50,000 injured.”
He urged the BNP to honour the sacrifice of the martyrs and cooperate with the government in holding the referendum this month, saying Jamaat will accept whatever verdict the people deliver through it.
Addressing CA Yunus, he said, “To keep your promise, hold the referendum in November and the national election in February to implement the July Charter. Without reform, Dr Yunus will be a zero; with reform, he will be a hero.”