More political parties on Sunday called on chief adviser Professor Mohammad Yunus to announce a comprehensive road map for the next Jatiya Sangsad elections, a charter for consensus-based reforms, and to ensure visible progress in the trial of the July Uprising killings.
The parties made the calls during their meetings with the chief adviser at his official residence, Jamuna, in the capital on Sunday night. Yunus held the meetings with dozens of political parties in two phases.
Leaders of the first-phase parties also urged the interim government to arrange regular dialogues with the political parties to avoid misperceptions and rebuild confidence among all stakeholders.
They also urged the chief adviser to make decisions on nationally important issues, such as the corridor and the Chattogram Port, in consultation with all political parties.
The first-phase meeting was held with Liberal Democratic Party聽 president Oli Ahmed, Nagorik Oikya聽 president Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Revolutionary Workers Party secretary Saiful Haque, Ganosamhati Andolon chief coordinator Zonayed Saki, Rashtra Sangskar Andolan聽 chief coordinator Hasnat Qayyum, AB Party president Mojibur Rahman Manju,聽 Communist Party of Bangladesh former president Mujahidul Islam Selim and Jatiya Gana Front coordinator Tipu Biswas.
After the meeting, Mahmudur Rahman Manna told reporters that they had requested the chief adviser to clearly declare how and when the election would take place.
He said that the chief adviser had indicated that elections could be held in December if minimal reforms were needed or by June if relatively more extensive reforms were required.
Manna said that the chief adviser was willing to give written assurance 鈥� even in the form of a resignation letter 鈥� that the election would not be delayed beyond June.
Mujahidul Islam Selim told reporters that meaningful reforms must be rooted in public participation and consent.
He cautioned that without engaging the people, vested interests could derail the process despite their theoretical rhetoric.
Selim said that he warned the chief adviser that delays in elections could worsen the situation, leading to greater instability.
Zonayed Saki said that the interim government must fulfill its responsibility of ensuring fair elections.
He noted that rising public distrust and stakeholder divisions were fuelling instability, emphasising the need for sincere dialogues to reduce misunderstandings and build mutual understanding.
Saki called for a formal announcement 鈥� such as a July Declaration or National Charter 鈥� by July 15 on reform issues based on consensus.
Unresolved matters, he added, should be left to the public to decide through the election process.
Saki called for a clear and specific election timeline, saying that a firm election road map would not only ensure political stability but also strengthen economic confidence by encouraging investment planning.
He also cited the public expectation for visible progress in the trial of the July Uprising killings, urging that the justice process should be transparent.
Mojibur Rahman Manju said that his party, too, urged the chief adviser to announce a clear road map for elections, reforms, and justice.
He also called for a July Declaration and a National Charter outlining reforms based on consensus.
Political leaders who took part in the meeting expressed confidence in the chief adviser and affirmed their continued support for the interim government to complete its responsibilities.
In the second-phase meeting, discussions were held with Hefazat-e-Islam, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, Gana Adhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, and Islami Oikya Jote.
After the meeting, Islami Andolan Bangladesh amir Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim told reporters that they had discussed how elections without the necessary reforms would not yield meaningful results.
He called for visible progress in the trial of the July Uprising killings and demanded that local government elections be held before the national elections.
Hefazat-e-Islam secretary general Sajidur Rahman said that they demanded the withdrawal of all cases filed against Hefazat leaders and activists during the Awami League regime.
According to Sajidur, they also demanded that the government not implement the recommendations of the Women鈥檚 Affairs Reforms Commission, terming them contrary to the Quran and Sunnah.
He added that they assured the chief adviser of their unity against fascism and pledged full support to the interim government.
Khelafat Majlish secretary general Ahmed Abdul Quader said that they demanded a clear road map for reforms and elections.
He also called for a restructuring of the advisory council, claiming that some advisers were creating controversy.聽聽
Chief adviser鈥檚 press secretary Shafiqul Alam at a briefing said that during the meeting the leaders of various political parties had expressed their full support for Professor Muhammad Yunus and the interim government鈥檚 reform agenda, justice efforts, and election preparations.
Farooq-e-Azam, adviser for liberation war affairs, AFM Khalid Hossain, adviser for religious affairs and Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser for Industries were present in the meeting.
During his interactions with party representatives, Professor Yunus said that there were attempts to destabilise the nation following a ban on Awami League鈥檚 activities, according to the press secretary.
The chief adviser described the situation as a 鈥榮tate of great turmoil,鈥� saying that some forces were actively working to disrupt the country鈥檚 progress, Shafiqul said.
Chief adviser Yunus on Thursday had expressed his intention to resign from his position, perturbed by the ongoing political unrest marked by frequent street protests and infighting among parties. Following the chief adviser鈥檚 announcement, meetings were initiated between Professor Yunus and political parties.
On Saturday, the chief adviser held separate meetings with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and National Citizen Party.
During the meetings, the political parties stood firm on their respective demands, although they all extended their full support to the chief adviser.
The BNP in its meeting with Yunus once again reiterated its demand for an immediate announcement of a clear road map to ensure that the Jatiya Sangsad elections are held by December this year. The Jamaat called for reforms and elections within the government鈥檚 announced deadline. The NCP demanded the announcement of the July Declaration and a comprehensive road map that includes justice for the killings during the July Uprising, as well as reforms and elections.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the chief of army staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, expressed concern over the country鈥檚 political situation during an 鈥極fficers鈥� Address鈥� at the Dhaka Cantonment, where he stated that general elections should be held in December this year.
