Talks between CA and 3 parties
Says delay may open door to return of autocracy; Jamaat wants end to tensions; NCP for local polls first
A BNP delegation holds meeting with Prof Muhammad Yunus at the chief adviser’s official residence Jamuna in Dhaka on Saturday, May 24, 2024. Photo: PID
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A BNP delegation holds meeting with Prof Muhammad Yunus at the chief adviser’s official residence Jamuna in Dhaka on Saturday, May 24, 2024. Photo: PID
In a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus last night, the BNP restated its demands that the next general election be held by December and the government immediately announce a roadmap to that end.
“If the election is delayed for any reason, we fear it will pave the way for the return of autocracy. The responsibility for this will fall on the current government,” BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said after the meeting.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. The BNP also stuck to its demand for the resignation of two student representatives in the advisory council — Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam — and the CA’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman.
After the BNP, the chief adviser sat with the Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) separately at his official residence Jamuna.
The Jamaat demanded a timeline for the election, and another for reforms and trials of Awami League leaders for their alleged role in mass killings during the July uprising.
The party also said the election can be held before or after the next Ramadan.
An NCP delegation holds meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka on Saturday, May 24, 2024. Photo: PID
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An NCP delegation holds meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka on Saturday, May 24, 2024. Photo: PID
The NCP demanded reconstitution of the Election Commission, local government polls before the parliamentary election, and simultaneous roadmaps to July killing trials, political reforms, and clear plans for parliamentary and constituent assembly polls.
It also demanded that all national and local elections held during Sheikh Hasina’s regime be declared “invalid”.
The talks came two days after Yunus vented his frustrations over some recent developments and expressed desire to step down.
He had talked about how ongoing protests were continuing to hinder the government’s core tasks — pushing reforms, ensuring justice for the July killings, and preparing for a free and fair election.
After the meetings last night, CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said all three major political parties voiced their confidence in the leadership of Yunus and support for a free, fair, and peaceful election under his administration.
He said the chief adviser reaffirmed his commitment to holding the election between December and June. “He is a man of his word. What he says, he does,” Shafiqul said at a press conference in front of Jamuna.
Reaffirming their support for the chief adviser at the meetings, the BNP said it never sought his resignation, while the NCP urged Yunus to remain in office until he honours the commitment he made in the wake of the July uprising.
Mosharraf, who led the BNP delegation, said, “The BNP has never demanded the resignation of the chief adviser; rather, from the very first day, it has been fully cooperating with this government.”
He said the topics of reform, justice, and election came up, and the BNP leaders said these three were not interrelated.
Reform is an ongoing process and will continue, he said, adding, “We expect this government to propose reforms based on consensus among all parties, and that process will remain active. If the people entrust us with power in the future, we will make efforts to continue implementing those reforms.”
He said leaders and activists of the BNP were affected the most — personally, politically, and family-wise — during the Awami League rule.
“That is why the BNP demands justice the most. If the trial process remains incomplete, the BNP, if in power, will complete it through independent judicial process,” he said.
Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Abdul Moyeen Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed were also part of the BNP delegation.
Khosru said they argued that the election is possible even before December.
Asked if the government has given any assurance in response to the party’s demands, Salahuddin said, “Perhaps they will respond through the press wing, so we will wait. Once the press wing says something, we will respond accordingly.”
In its written statement to Yunus, the BNP said, “It should have been a top priority to consider whether the government’s various statements and actions regarding the humanitarian corridor and the Chattogram port are truly serving national interests.
“Additionally, the people of this country do not believe that an interim government has the authority to make such long-term and nationally significant policy decisions.
“To maintain the neutrality of the interim government, we believe that some controversial advisers — whose statements and actions have tarnished the government’s image — should be removed. The national security adviser has already become a subject of controversy, and to uphold the government’s reputation, he must be relieved of his duties.”
The BNP hoped that the government would soon take steps to administer the oath of office to Ishraque Hossain as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.
“The act of besieging the Election Commission to press for local government elections appears to be intentional and mysterious,” it said about the NCP’s recent demonstrations.
A Jamaat delegation holds meeting with Prof Yunus at Jamuna on Saturday, May 24, 2024. Photo: PID
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A Jamaat delegation holds meeting with Prof Yunus at Jamuna on Saturday, May 24, 2024. Photo: PID
Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said if reforms are completed, the election can be held by mid-February. If the reforms take some more time, the election can be held after Eid-ul-Fitr.
“If the election lingers, it will be difficult to make it a free and fair one,” he said.
The Jamaat chief said if all come forward and provide meaningful support to the reform process, then, a meaningful election can be ensured through effective reforms.
“The agitation that emerged in society regarding this issue, along with blockades for different demands, seems to have subsided for now. However, we seek a permanent resolution.”
Shafiqur said that before the election, certain reforms and judicial processes must be visible to the public. “If the election takes place without completing the reforms, the people will not be able to fulfil their expectations through this election.”
Asked if the chief adviser assured the party of meeting its demands, Shafiqur said Yunus listened to them attentively. “We are confident that the chief adviser has taken everything positively.”
NCP Convener Nahid Islam said Yunus was “disappointed” because the promises made during the uprising — of a new Bangladesh through reforms — are being “undermined by some parties”.
“He feels pressured to concede to certain demands, which hampers his ability to work. We urged him to stay committed to the people’s call for reforms and not to bow to political tactics,” Nahid said.
The NCP also demanded that the government announce the July Charter within the timeframe given by the government.
It also raised concerns over the slow pace of rehabilitation for the families of those killed or injured in the July uprising.
About the BNP’s demand for the resignation of two student advisers, Nahid said, “We clearly stated that the student advisers joined the government as representatives of the uprising, not of any political party or NCP.”
Press Secretary Shafiqul said both Jamaat and NCP supported the timeframe that the election will be held between December and June.
But the two parties expressed concern about the current electoral environment, saying they do not believe a level playing field exists under the present structure.
The press secretary said the Consensus Commission is expected to conclude its work by mid-July, and a “July Charter” will be adopted afterwards.
“Work is underway to finalise the document,” said Shafiqul.
The chief adviser also confirmed that the trial of the July killings will begin later this month.
Asked if the ongoing political crisis would be resolved, the press secretary said, “I’m not sure what crisis you are referring to. What I can say is that today’s meetings were held in a very cordial atmosphere.”
Yunus is likely to hold a joint meeting with more than 10 political parties today.