The country is facing a major crisis due to growing Indian interference, and national unity is crucial to overcoming the challenges, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus observed during meetings with leaders of 20 political parties on Sunday at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Following the discussions, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna told reporters, "The Chief Adviser believes the nation is at a crossroads due to Indian dominance and emphasized that only national unity can navigate us through this crisis."
Amid rising concern over election preparedness and political instability, leaders in attendance shared their demands, support, and reservations. Dr Yunus reportedly expressed doubts about the feasibility of a fair election under current circumstances and hinted at the possibility of resignation.
The two-phased meeting focused on critical national issues, including the upcoming elections, law and order, and the proposed humanitarian corridor.
Mujahidul Islam Selim, former president of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), warned of both domestic and international conspiracies aimed at derailing the people's movement. "People may hold differing views, but it is ultimately the public that must determine what is right. Necessary reforms must be made to ensure fair elections," he said. "If we delay, things may spiral out of control."
Nagorik Oikya President Manna echoed the sentiment, saying, "India may be unhappy with the progress being made in Bangladesh and could try to obstruct it. We must remain united to safeguard our achievements."
Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party, revealed that Dr Yunus was deeply disturbed by recent events, prompting thoughts of stepping down. However, he added, "You don't change the boatman midstream," implying that Yunus should remain in charge until elections are held.
He urged the interim government to maintain neutrality, stating, "We don't want to see two governments functioning within one. Major decisions-like establishing humanitarian corridors-should only be taken in consultation with political parties."
Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, insisted Dr Yunus should remain in office only until free and fair elections are held.
"There is significant mistrust and division among groups, which must be addressed," he said.
"The public demands genuine justice-not just rhetoric."
He also called for a clear election roadmap. In response, Dr Yunus agreed, stressing that an election date will only be announced once the environment and institutions are ready for credible polls.
Mujibur Rahman Manju, Chairman of the My Bangladesh Party (AB Party), said Dr Yunus acknowledged that the current situation is not conducive to elections and had considered resigning.
"The administration must be stronger and better prepared before any vote," Manju quoted him as saying.
Leaders who attended the first phase of the meeting included:
Col (Retd) Oli Ahmad, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Nagorik Oikya, Saiful Haque, Biplobi Workers Party of Bangladesh, Zonayed Saki, Ganosamhati Andolon, Hasnat Kaiyum, Rastro Songskar Andolon, Mojibur Rahman Manju, AB Party, Mujahidul Islam Selim, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Khalequzzaman Bhuiyan, Socialist Party of Bangladesh, Tipu Biswas, National People's Front, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul, Bhashani Onushari Parishad, Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD)
The second phase saw participation from leaders of various Islamic parties and organisations, including:
Maulana Sadikur Rahman, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Maulana Rezaul Karim, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Maulana Mamunul Haque, Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam and Ameer of Khelafat Majlish, Maulana Ahmed Abdul Kader, Khelafat Majlish, Maulana Azizul Haque, Hefazat-e-Islam, Maulana Monjurul Islam Afendi, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Nurul Haque Nur, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Maulana Musa Bin Izhar, Hefazat-e-Islam, Maulana Sakhawat Hossain Razi, Islami Oikya Jote
The meetings were held against a backdrop of intensifying political tension and speculation surrounding Dr Yunus's possible resignation.
On Saturday (May 24), members of BNP, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and Jamaat-e-Islami also met with the Chief Adviser.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, clarified that Dr Yunus has no intention of staying in office beyond June 30.
Speaking to reporters after the day's meetings, Shafiqul said, "Everyone has expressed support for Professor Yunus. They have welcomed the reforms being implemented, the judicial initiatives taken, and the electoral roadmap under consideration."
He confirmed that wide-ranging issues were discussed during the meetings. "We talked about elections, reforms, and governance. The Chief Adviser reiterated that the elections will be held within the timeframe of December to June. There will be no extension beyond June 30. All parties were satisfied with this assurance," Shafiqul said.
