With sharp differences in their opinions, political leaders on Saturday underscored the need for unity among parties, fundamental state reforms, and a democratic transition to fulfil the aspirations of the July uprising.
Speaking at an event marking the 21st anniversary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital, leaders from various political parties said that though recent political developments had caused concerns, discussions on reform and the possibility of upcoming elections had revived public hope.
There is now -- despite a history of division and mistrust -- a collective commitment to build a democratic, accountable, and inclusive political system in response to the sacrifices made during the uprising, they observed.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed cautious optimism about the country鈥檚 political future, highlighting recent developments as signs of progress towards a democratic transition.
He said that though the events of the past 10 months had created uncertainties, a recent meeting between BNP acting chair Tarique聽 Rahman and interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus had renewed hope.
The two leaders have reached agreements on several issues, raising expectations for a possible election in February, said Fakhrul.
He praised the interim government鈥檚 efforts so far, describing their actions as constructive and encouraging.
Fakhrul hoped that all parties involved in the anti-authoritarian movement would support the interim administration in continuing its work.
Regarding political reforms, the BNP secretary general acknowledged both agreement and disagreement on various issues.
He said that the agreed matters would be implemented, while unresolved ones would be discussed and settled in Jatiya Sangsad after the election.
Fakhrul welcomed the forthcoming application of the National Citizen Party to the Election Commission for its registration as a political party.
He voiced very positive expectations from the party鈥檚 youth-led leadership, noting their active role and sacrifices during the July uprising.
Nagarik Oikya president Mahmudur Rahman Manna called for a renewed commitment to democratic principles, stressing the central role of elections, political unity, and responsible leadership in shaping a new Bangladesh based on public welfare.
鈥楾here is no alternative to elections for Bangladesh to progress,鈥� he affirmed.
He acknowledged the prevailing fragmentation in the political landscape, citing internal conflicts and confusion about political alliances and adversaries.
鈥業t is now hard even to understand who the enemy is in politics,鈥� Manna observed, urging everyone to pursue unity and collective progress despite ideological differences.
Rejecting the notion of politics as an emotional or reactionary pursuit, Manna likened it to an art form that demands skill, strategy, and vision.
BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku, too, stressed the importance of maintaining unity among all the political parties that had come together to bring an end to the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina.
He went on to express his conviction that no future government in Bangladesh could act arbitrarily and that continued collective efforts would be necessary to prevent further national crises.
Indicating Shikh Mujibur Rahman, Tuku lamented that the post-independence government, led by the leader who came to power after independence, had broken the dreams of the people by failing to uphold the democratic ideals for which the youth and the ordinary people 鈥� such as farmers, labourers, blacksmiths, and potters 鈥� had sacrificed their lives.
National Citizen Party joint convener Ariful Islam Adib said that while a complete ideological alignment among all political parties might be uncommon, a unified national platform was essential to steer the country through the current period and prevent repeated political instability.
To uphold the principles underlying the July uprising, there is no alternative to holding a constituent assembly election, which will provide the foundational direction of the state to reflect the views of all political parties and the general public, Ariful asserted.
A national referendum is a crucial tool to directly engage citizens in major decisions and thus legitimise a new political framework, he emphasised.
Ariful further said that the aspirations behind the uprising 鈥� expressed by the sacrifices of thousands of students, workers, and ordinary citizens 鈥� should not be defined solely by political parties.
He voiced concerns about how the voices of the public, youth, and students, who played a pivotal role in recent movements, should be meaningfully incorporated into future state-building efforts.
He advocated for the inclusion of all stakeholders in the decision-making processes, unlike along conventional party lines.
Referring to the London meeting, Ariful cautioned against any attempt by the chief adviser to be influenced by a single political force, especially in relation to setting the next election date.
Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh general secretary Saiful Haque presided over the event, while BNP chair鈥檚 adviser Md Abdus Salam, Socialist Party of Bangladesh general secretary Khalequzzaman, and Ganosamhati Andolan chief coordinator Zonayed Saki, among others, spoke.
