Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Saturday urged all pro-democracy and anti-fascist political forces in Bangladesh to unite in resisting attempts by “defeated forces” to derail the upcoming national election through chaos and conspiracy.
“If all pro-uprising forces fail to come together to hold a proper election, we will miss a historic opportunity,” the Chief Adviser said during a meeting with leaders of 14 political parties at the State Guest House Jamuna.
He alleged that those opposed to democratic progress are trying to create disorder whenever possible. “They are seriously disrupting the country’s natural progress. Each time we advance with election preparations, new conspiracies emerge,” Yunus said.
However, he asserted that such conspiracies would not succeed. “The reality is that no conspiracy can hinder our march towards democracy, because the unity among democratic forces against fascism is now clearly visible.”
Political leaders present at the meeting assured the Chief Adviser of their full support in ensuring a credible election.
Those attending the dialogue included: Aminul Haque Tipu Biswas of the Jatiya Gano Front, Mostafa Jamal Haider of the 12-party alliance and of Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar faction, Maulana Abdul Majed Athari of Nezam-e-Islam Party, Maulana Yusuf Ashraf of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Fariduzzaman Farhad of the National People’s Party (NPP), Dr Mushtaq Hossain of Bangladesh Jasad, Bobby Hajjaj of the Nationalist Democratic Movement, Mufti Sakhawat Hossain Raji of Islami Oikya Jote, Rafiqul Islam Babul of Bhasani Janashakti Party, Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran of Bangladesh Labour Party, Masud Rana of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist), and Manjurul Islam Afendi of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, among others, attended the meeting.
The meeting, which began at 5pm, was confirmed by the Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary, Foyez Ahammad.
At the beginning of the session, participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent plane crash at Milestone School and College. A munajat (special prayer) was also offered for the departed souls and the swift recovery of the injured.
The session was part of a new round of political consultations initiated by the Chief Adviser. On July 22, he met leaders of four major parties — BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and the National Citizen Party (NCP). The following day, he held discussions with 13 additional parties, including Gonosamhati Andolon, AB Party, Nagorik Oikya, Gono Odhikar Parishad, LDP, Khelafat Majlis, Biplobi Workers Party, JSD, and CPB.
This series of dialogues is aimed at building consensus and restoring public confidence ahead of the anticipated election. Dr. Yunus is expected to announce the election date and roadmap within days, following extensive consultation with political stakeholders.
