Political parties, during the meeting with the Chief Adviser, called for a clear roadmap on justice, reforms, and elections.
They emphasised that the interim government must bridge the gap and build closer engagement with political parties.
After the meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at Jamuna, they said this during the briefing.
Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, said they demanded a clear roadmap on justice, reform, and elections during their meeting with the Chief Adviser.
He stated, “Due to recent incidents, the Chief Adviser was embarrassed and considering resignation. We told him that would only deepen the political crisis.”
He continued, “We proposed that everyone should be treated equally, as a lack of coordination is evident within the government’s leadership. Different advisers are saying different things. We asked that no decisions be made regarding corridors and ports. We also demanded the formulation of a national charter within the next month.”
“You don’t change the boatman midstream,” he said, addressing the Chief Adviser. “We want to place our trust in your government. We don’t want to see multiple governments within one. There is evident disunity among you. Each Adviser is making different remarks—this needs to be fixed.”
Regarding the corridor issue, Saiful Haque stated, “No major decision should be made without consulting political parties. You don’t have to handle everything alone.”
On the issue of student Advisers, he told the Chief Adviser, “It’s up to you to decide what actions to take regarding controversial individuals. How you walk together with all those who participated in the mass uprising will also depend on your approach.”
Chairman of Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Mojibur Rahman Monju, said they have demanded that the election be held by February 5.
The Chief Adviser responded that once he gains full control over the administration, he will announce the roadmap.
Monju said that when asked why the Chief Adviser had considered resigning, he replied that he was concerned about whether a fair election could be held. “We told him that coordination with political parties is essential — particularly, reforms and elections are necessary to reduce the distance with BNP. We also urged him to initiate dialogue with the students and masses involved in the July uprising,” Monju added.
Chief Cordinator of Ganosanhati Andolon, Zonayed Saki, said that the interim government must bridge the gap with political parties.
He also emphasized the need for deep discussions among political parties.
Since the people have placed their trust in Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, it is his responsibility to fulfill this role. There is no scope to walk away midway. “No matter how much pressure you (Yunus) face, you have accepted a historic responsibility. Fulfill it and set an example,” said Saki.
He added, “What’s crucial now is the unrest in various places and the growing distance between political parties, which is creating instability. We must work to reduce this mistrust and distance.”
Saki said that the current interim government has taken on a historic responsibility, which includes both ensuring justice for perpetrators and initiating democratic reforms to establish a new political framework in line with public expectations. “This responsibility must be carried out by your government—there is no alternative,” he added.
Zonayed Saki further said, “We told the Chief Adviser that the public wants to see visible justice.” In response, the Chief Adviser said the government is offering full support to the judiciary. He expressed hope that the justice process will not be delayed and that international standards will be upheld.
On the election issue, Saki said, “The head of government stated that the election will be held between December and June. However, we suggested that a specific date should be announced so political parties can prepare accordingly.”
He added, “Many are planning investments. Without a definite election date, those plans will not materialize.”
He also mentioned, “Institutions responsible for conducting elections will only make decisions once they are fully functional. Only after organizing the administration will they determine a concrete election date.”
When asked about BNP’s demand for the resignation of three Advisers, Saki said that those three Advisers represented the July movement. One of them has taken a position in a political party. The remaining two are still in office.
“We asked whether these two have any political ambitions. If they do, they should step down. Since this is not a politically formed government, staying with political motives would be inappropriate,” he said.
The leaders who participated in the first phase of the meeting were -- former President of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Mujahidul Islam Selim, President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmad, President of Nagorik Oikya Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Chief Coordinator of Ganosanhati Andolon Zonayed Saki, Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party Saiful Haque, Coordinator of the National People's Front Tipu Biswas, Chief Coordinator of the Rashtra Sanskar Andolon Hasnat Kaiyum, Chairman of AB Party Mojibur Rahman Monju, Chairman of the Bhasani Janashakti Party Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, and General Secretary of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan.
In the second round of meetings, discussions were held with the following individuals — Hefazat-e-Islam’s Secretary General Maulana Sajidur Rahman, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Amir of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Maulana Mamunul Haque, Secretary General of Khilafat Majlis Ahmed Abdul Quader, Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, Secretary General of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi, President of Gana Adhikar Parishad Nurul Haque Nur, Secretary General of the National Executive Council of Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party Maulana Musa Bin Izhar, and Secretary General of Islami Oikya Jote Mufti Sakhawat Hossain Raji.
Widespread discussion began Thursday night following reports that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus was considering resigning out of frustration and disappointment. In this context, political parties have become increasingly interested in engaging with him, prompting a series of meetings.
On Saturday, he met with leaders of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and National Citizens’ Party (NCP).
Continuing this initiative, Professor Muhammad Yunus held meetings with various parties Sunday as well. Before meeting with the faith-based party leaders, he sat down at 5:00PM with representatives of several other political parties and organizations
