Most political parties have urged the interim government to swiftly complete necessary state reforms and arrange national elections within a reasonable timeframe.
On Saturday, August 31, various political parties presented their demands during separate meetings with Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The parties emphasized the need for a transparent and credible national election, restoration of democracy, and the prevention of autocracy and misrule. They pledged full support to the government for overhauling the election system, the Election Commission, police, administration, and judiciary.
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During the meetings, each party submitted written proposals regarding state reforms and other demands. Top leaders of these parties also briefed the media about the discussions.
Among the attendees, seven Islamic parties assured the Chief Advisor that they would take necessary measures to prevent any untoward incidents during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, emphasizing the need for maintaining communal harmony.
The Chief Advisor initiated discussions with six Islamic parties at the State Guesthouse Jamuna and held multiple rounds of meetings throughout the day. Law Advisor Asif Nazrul, Industry Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan, Religious Advisor A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, and the Chief Advisor’s Special Assistant Mahfuz Alam were present.
Senior leaders from Khilafat Majlis, Nizam-e-Islam, Hefazat-e-Islam, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Movement, and Jamiyat-e-Ulama-e-Islam met with the Chief Advisor from 3 PM to 4 PM. Following this, leaders from the Islamic Movement, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Nationalist Coordination Alliance, 12-Party Alliance, Bangladesh JASOD, Gano Forum, and Jatiya Party also met with the Chief Advisor until 8 PM.
In a press briefing, LDP Chairman Oli Ahmed stated that they stressed to the Chief Advisor the importance of providing a clear roadmap or forecast for the elections to keep political parties engaged.
He mentioned, “The roadmap could be six or nine months long. We insisted that the election should be held as soon as possible after completing the necessary reforms. The sooner the election, the better it will be for the interim government, political parties, and the country.”
Oli emphasized that elections should not be conducted before completing essential reforms for peace, good governance, and restoring democracy. He suggested that the government might conduct local government elections before the national elections to keep the political parties occupied.
When asked about the Chief Advisor’s reaction to the LDP’s statements, Oli replied, “The Chief Advisor emphasized that unity among political parties is crucial for addressing every issue. We need consensus among all parties to resolve the country’s problems.”
Oli further mentioned that they had submitted 83-point proposals on state reforms to the Chief Advisor and had requested the cancellation of the Awami League’s registration due to its involvement in serious crimes.
He warned the interim government to be cautious as more unpleasant events could occur. Oli added, “I informed the interim government that they are not yet free from concerns. The conspirators are active, and those loyal to Hasina have not been dismissed or investigated.”
Following the meeting with the six parties, Maulana Mamunul Haque, General Secretary of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, said, “We had a fruitful discussion. We requested the Chief Advisor to implement the necessary reforms within a reasonable timeframe and avoid unnecessary delays in the election.”
He stated that the Chief Advisor assured that preparations and arrangements were underway for the elections after the required reforms.
Mamunul added, “We did not discuss a specific timeframe for the reforms. We assured the Chief Advisor of our full cooperation in ensuring security during the Durga Puja and requested the withdrawal of nearly 300 cases filed against Hefazat-e-Islam leaders.”
Following the student-led uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the interim government was formed under Dr. Muhammad Yunus on August 8.
Earlier, on August 12, a delegation led by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul met with the Chief Advisor. Senior leaders from various parties including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, CPB, Democracy Front, BJP, Islamic Movement Bangladesh, AB Party, Gana Adhikar Parishad, Democratic Left Alliance, and NDM also met with the Chief Advisor on August 12.