Staff Correspondent

There has been no talk about a possible ‘deadline’ for the election though a range of issues were discussed by various political parties during their dialogue with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus which was arranged following a call made by the BNP.

Instead, the parties recommended reforms preceding the election. In addition, a charter of demands over the formation of a tribunal for the speedy trial of the killings during the anti-government movement, a ban on the Awami League, withdrawal of cases against Hifazat-e Islam leaders and activists, and the restoration of ‘trust and faith in Allah’ in the Constitution were made during the discussions.

The dialogue continued for five hours from 3pm on Saturday.

The talks began with six Islamic parties and groups. The parties are: Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Khilafat Andolan, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, Nizam-e-Islam, and Hifazat-e Islam.

The interim cabinet met Islami Andolan represented by Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim alias Chormonai Pir afterwards.

GM Quader led the Jatiya Party delegation, Oli Ahmad headed the Liberal Democratic Party, or LDP; Dr Kamal Hossain led Gono Forum, Sharif Nurul Ambia led Bangladesh JaSaD, Fariduzzaman Farhad headed the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, and Mostafa Jamal Haider-led the 12 Party Alliance also joined consecutive discussions.

The parties presented their proposals and written demands, including election, under their party pads and state reforms, during the dialogues.

Law Advisor Asif Nazrul, Industries Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan, Religious Affairs Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain and Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor Mahfuj Alam were in attendance.
“LOGICAL TIME’

According to the Constitution, the election must be held within 90 days of the parliament’s dissolution. However, the interim government didn’t clarify when it would hold the polls.

The BNP has been demanding the authorities declare an election roadmap since Aug 24 but the Jamaat believes the time for election is ‘not now’. The parties have sparred over the issue.

However, a delegation led by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said there was no talk about a probable election date with Yunus during their meeting with him on Thursday.

Fakhrul said after the dialogue: “The chief advisor will soon exchange views on the issue with political parties in phases.”
The parties also called for taking ‘reasonable time for necessary reforms’ instead of an election deadline during the discussions.

LDP chief Oli Ahmad said, “The only way to keep the political parties busy is to give a forecast. It could be six months or nine months. We have suggested that elections should be held as soon as possible after the reforms. But the election must be held.”

The leaders of the parties who took part in the dialogues said no definite proposals have been made over the possible duration of the interim government and the election.
The LDP chief also remarked that the election is not expected in any way before the implementation of the reform agendas.

“The chief advisor said the political parties must be united. Everyone has to come to a consensus,” he said.
At the end of the exchange of views, Khelafat Majlish Secretary General and Hifazat-e Islam leader Mamunul Haque said the parties called on the transitional government head to arrange the elections as soon as possible after the reforms within a convenient time.
“The chief advisor agreed on the matter and said the government is eager to hold the election without delay after the necessary reforms are carried out and they are making preparations for such arrangements.”

Mamunul said his delegations have not discussed the election timeframe in the talks.

Islami Andolan Amir Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim alias Chormonai Pir said, “The previous ‘fascist’ government's clustering for more than 15 years and the 'farcical' national elections of 2014, 2018 and 2024, and those who worked in the administration to hold these elections, who cooperated with the government everywhere, including in various media, are unjust."

“We urged the chief advisor to identify these criminals and take action against them by forming a reliable commission.”

Islami Andolan also called to reorganise the administration and law enforcing agencies with ‘eligible’ individuals.

“If elections are held before a transparent environment is created in these sectors, the same issues would re-emerge. That's why we urged the chief advisor to reform the environment first."

Gono Forum President Kamal Hossain said, “The discussion with the chief advisor was good. We have submitted written proposals.”

He said a 21-point charter of demands has been submitted by the Gono Forum.

DEMAND TO CANCEL AL’S REGISTRATION

The Liberal Democratic Party chief said an 83-point list of proposals has been made during the discussion.

Demanding the cancellation of the Awami League's registration on charges of 'genocide,' LDP President Wali Ahmad said, “If the Jamaat's registration can be cancelled for 'minor reasons,' then surely the Awami League should also have its registration cancelled for killing thousands of our youths and for the disappearance of several thousand leaders and activists over 15 years.”

“It is crucial to cancel their registration; otherwise, future dictatorships will arise in Bangladesh.”

He believes that 2024 is a year of new developments, with more expected to occur.

He said, “I gave a warning during today’s [Saturday] meeting. I told the interim government ‘You are still not out of danger. The conspirators are still conspiring. Those who were loyal to Hasina have not been dismissed yet, no investigation has started against them. Transferring them from one place to another will not solve the problem. They are enemies of the country. They need to be imprisoned.”

DEMAND FOR RE-EVALUATION OF AGREEMENTS WITH INDIA

Khelafat Majlish General Secretary Ahmed Abdul Kader has demanded the re-evaluation of agreements made with India by Hasina, urging the chief advisor to cancel those deemed "anti-national."

The party also proposed a seven-point list of reform agenda, including structural changes in government, balancing powers between the prime minister and president, limiting their terms, and ensuring the prime minister does not hold party leadership for more than two terms, recommendations covering the Election Commission, local government, administrative, financial, and educational systems.

RESTORATION OF FAITH IN ALLAH IN CONSTITUTION

Mamunul said, “The article on the trust and belief in Allah in the Constitution should be reinstated. An amendment to the Constitution has been proposed for that.

"We have called on the chief advisor so that there should be no anti-Islamic agendas in the formulation of policies and laws in the country."

DEMANDS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF CASES AGAINST HIFAZAT LEADERS

"We have sought a timeline to get the cases withdrawn that Sheikh Hasina's government had filed against scholars and opposition parties, including the members of Hifazat-e Islam," Ahmad Abdul Kader said.

During the conversations, a demand has been made for the withdrawal of cases filed against the Hifazat leaders and activists within a month.

"There were many cases and casualties during Hifazat’s movements in 2013, 2016, and 2021. Many people are still missing. We have requested a proper report on all our martyrs and missing persons,” Mamunul said.

"We also proposed to form a special tribunal to quickly adjudicate all the killings," he added.

"We have requested that these cases be withdrawn quickly through executive orders and legal procedures," said Mamunul, stating that a demand has been made for the withdrawal of around 3,000 cases against Hifazat loyalists.

"We have urged the chief advisor to withdraw these cases within a month," he added.

REMAIN ALERT DURING DURGA PUJA: GOVT

The Islamist parties have assured the interim government of their full cooperation in ensuring the protection of the temples and pandals during the Durga Puja occasions.

The chief advisor also urged the leaders to remain vigilant so that no other unexpected incident takes place.

The Islami Andolan has also proposed proportional representation in the voting system.

"It is seen in our 53-year history of Bangladesh that the electoral system has been dominated by black money and partisan politics. The individuals who are actually competent and who have love for the country do not get the opportunity to govern the country,” according to the Charmonai Pir.

"Elections should be based on the proportion of votes cast for the parties and their symbols. The people will cast their votes and the party representatives will be elected to parliament based on the number of votes they get. Thus, the participation of people from all professions will be ensured and there will be no chance to create any discriminatory or anarchic environment."