During the first meeting with National Consensus Commission, major political parties and alliances, including the BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have emphasized the need for national election after essential reforms.
The meeting, held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, saw over 100 representatives from 27 political parties and alliances, with most supporting the demand to ban the Awami League from the political process.
Chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, the meeting lasted from 3 PM to 7 PM and focused on achieving consensus on political, constitutional, and electoral reforms. Key groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and Gana Adhikar Parishad, called for immediate structural reforms to eliminate what they described as "Awami fascism" from the governance system.
BNP stresses national election first
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reiterated the party’s stance against holding local government elections before the national polls. "We hope to reach a minimum consensus on reforms soon, paving the way for a swift national election," he said. Fakhrul added that the meeting was introductory and lacked constructive discussions, but expressed optimism about future dialogues.
Jamaat backs timely elections post-reforms
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, stressed the importance of holding elections promptly after reforms are finalized. "We support all positive decisions and will review the reform proposals once they are provided in writing," he said, noting that the Chief Adviser hinted at elections by December.
Anti-Discrimination Student Movement calls for Awami League ban
Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, demanded the cancellation of the Awami League’s registration, calling it politically irrelevant. "The boat has sunk; it will never float again. Most parties support banning the Awami League to ensure a better future for the next generation," he stated.
Other parties weigh in
The Biplobi Workers Party demanded national elections this year, while the 12-party alliance, Labor Party, Ganosamhati Andolon, Jamiat Ulama-e Islam, and Gano Adhikar Parishad expressed a preference for holding national elections before implementing reforms. Ali Riaz, vice chairman of the National Consensus Commission, announced plans for individual meetings with each party to discuss the reform commission reports in detail.
July Charter to determine election schedule
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated that the first phase of the interim government has ended, and the second phase has begun through political dialogue. He urged parties to reach a consensus on implementing the reform proposals. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam revealed that the July Charter, to be finalized through national consensus, will determine the election schedule. "Some reforms may be implemented before the elections, while others will be addressed by the next government," he said.
Fight for a new constitution
Nasiruddin Patwari, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, emphasized the need for a new constitution drafted through a national assembly. "This is Bangladesh’s final battle for liberation," he declared, announcing a major student movement to push for this agenda. Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the Committee, stressed the importance of bringing the perpetrators of the July Uprising to justice, warning against any compromise in the judicial process.
The meeting marked the beginning of a critical dialogue on reforms, with parties expressing diverse views on the sequence of elections and the urgency of structural changes. As the Consensus Commission moves forward, the focus remains on achieving a unified roadmap for the country’s political future.
