Staff Correspondent

The BNP and some other major political parties of the country on Monday conveyed that they want to provide the interim government with the necessary time to create a favourable environment for upcoming elections.

During a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, they placed emphasis on stabilising the law and order situation as a priority before proceeding with electoral preparations.

The political parties expressed their support for the interim government’s efforts to address these critical challenges and ensure a smooth transition.

This was the first formal meeting between the head of the interim government and the leaders of political parties since its formation on 8 August.

Following the departure of dictator Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country after resigning as prime minister in the wake of a student-led mass uprising, the interim government was established under the leadership of Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus.

A nine-member delegation from the BNP, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, attended the meeting at the chief adviser’s residence, Jamuna, in the capital at 4pm on Monday. The meeting lasted approximately one hour.

Afterwards, Mirza Fakhrul informed reporters that the issue of elections was not discussed with the chief adviser.

“It will take some time to create a suitable environment for elections. We have certainly granted them that time. We have supported them (interim government) in all matters.”

“This was our first meeting with the chief adviser. We have given our opinion on what can be done in the current situation of the country. They have shared with us what they have done and what they plan to do. Now we feel it is the duty of every patriotic individual to support this government.”

The BNP leader expressed their belief that the government will indeed engage with political parties, but not with those responsible for violence, as there is widespread opposition to those who have harmed students, children, and political leaders.

The BNP will support the government in taking decisive action against such individuals, he added.
He alleged that the group that deprived Bangladesh of its rights has now begun a conspiracy to undermine the people’s victory by fleeing to India.

Mirza Fakhrul also indicated that during the meeting, they made it clear that efforts are being made to create unrest and chaos in the country, as well as to incite communal violence.

He urged people to support the government by upholding communal harmony and ensuring the security of minority communities rather than being confused. “We are also supporting this government.”

The BNP secretary general asserted that allegations of persecution against religious minorities are entirely motivated and intended to tarnish the image of the country and the interim government.

“This is an attempt to malign Bangladesh, this government, and undermine the students’ movement,” he said.

BNP standing committee members Khandker Mosharref Hossain, Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Selima Rahman were present at the meeting. Advisers of the interim government Asif Nazrul and Adilur Rahman were also in attendance.

During the meeting, the BNP delegation handed over a letter cmprising their demands and suggestions to the chief adviser, party sources said.

Following the meeting with the BNP, the chief adviser also held separate discussions with leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

An 11-member delegation from the party, led by its Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, attended this meeting.

Afterwards, the Jamaat ameer expressed full confidence in the interim government led by Prof Yunus. “Conspiracies are coming from various sources. Even if anyone attempts such actions, they will be ineffective under the overwhelming pressure of the people,” he said.

Regarding the potential banning of Jamaat, Shafiqur Rahman stated that they do not believe the party will be banned if such a decision is made.

“The Awami League government has recently committed many wrongs, which the people may have to endure. The intention to suddenly ban the party to divert attention from the movement is clear to the people, and no one has accepted it.”

The chief adviser also held meetings with leaders of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), AB Party, Ganatantra Manch, two factions of Gana Odhikar Parishad, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and National Democratic Movement.