BNP has put forward several demands, including the reform in the Advisory Council by excluding controversial figures and the announcement of a clear electoral roadmap.
BNP Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain shared this information with the media after a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Saturday night.
Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said, “From the very beginning, the BNP has been demanding a clear national electoral roadmap to ensure the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. As you all know, we have made this demand publicly. To ensure the neutrality of the government in holding a free, fair, and impartial election, we have called for the reformation of the Advisory Council by excluding controversial advisers.”
He further stated, “BNP leaders and activists have suffered most—personally, politically, and even with their families—during the Awami League’s tenure. Therefore, BNP strongly demands justice against the Awami League. If this justice process remains incomplete in any way, then once BNP assumes power, it will be fully carried out through an independent judiciary.”
He added, “We have also demanded the swift announcement of a roadmap to hold the national parliamentary elections by December, following the immediate completion of necessary electoral reforms.”
“Any delay in holding the election under any pretext, we believe, will pave the way for the return of autocracy, and the current government must take full responsibility for that. Regarding the rumoursabout BNP, we clarified that BNP has never demanded the resignation of the Chief Adviser. On the contrary, from day one, we have been fully cooperating with this government.”
The meeting, led by BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, began at 7:35pm at the chief advisers’ official residence Jamuna.
The other members of the delegation included Standing Committee Members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed.
Before the meeting with the CA, the BNP leaders met at their chairperson's office in Gulshan.
Party leaders said they will attend the meeting as a part of their ongoing effort to defuse political tensions and clear misunderstandings with the interim government.
The meeting also comes at a time when Yunus hinted at resignation.
All eyes are now on Jamuna, as BNP, and later Jamaat-e-Islami, are meeting with Yunus amid rising political tensions in the country.
Yesterday, a BNP standing committee member said they do not want the CA to step down at this stage, as it would trigger a fresh political crisis.
On Thursday night, informal discussions took place among leaders of different parties including the BNP, National Citizen Party (NCP), and Jamaat, said sources of the meeting.
Party stalwarts said a consensus has been reached among these parties during the discussion on resolving the possible crisis and related issues.
Meanwhile, eight political parties and organisations, including Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Gono Odhikar Parishad, will meet with the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday.
The meeting is scheduled to take place, Sunday evening, at the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna.
Islami Andolan confirmed the meeting in a press release sent to the media, Saturday. According to the release, Islami Andolan’s Ameer and Charmonai Pir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, will attend the meeting on behalf of his party at 5:45 PM at Jamuna.
The statement further mentioned that, in addition to Islami Andolan, top leaders from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Khelafat Majlish, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Nizam-e-Islami Party, and Hefazat-e-Islam will participate in the meeting. The political leaders are expected to advise the interim government on necessary reforms, election matters, and ensuring justice against those involved in authoritarian practices.
