Demand for the restoration of democracy

On Thursday, various political parties commemorated November 7 as Sepoy-People’s Mass Revolution Day, calling for the restoration of democratic governance and the establishment of a bicameral parliament.

At a discussion organized by the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) at its central office in Gulistan, leaders emphasized the need for democratic reforms and a bicameral legislative system. Siraj Miah, a standing committee member of JSD, chaired the event, which was organized by the JSD, a member of the Ganatantra Mancha alliance. Party General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmod Shapon advocated for reforms in the ruling system, restoration of democracy, and the establishment of a bicameral parliament. Shapon highlighted that the victory of the student and people’s movement on August 5 had opened a path for democratic transition.

Other speakers included former JSD standing committee member Nurul Akhter, central leaders Syed Belayet Hossain Belal, and Lokman Hakim.

Separately, in Dhaka, politicians gathered on Thursday for another discussion, demanding the restoration of democratic governance through a free, fair, and credible general election. They suggested an interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus should oversee the next general election after implementing necessary electoral reforms. This discussion was organized by the 12-Party Alliance at Abdus Salam Hall to observe National Revolution and Solidarity Day. Jatiya Party faction chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider presided over the event.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan expressed support for an interim government to ensure credible elections, cautioning against excessive delays in implementing reforms. Khan stressed that additional reforms should follow the election to prevent future authoritarian rule. 

Mostafa Jamal Haider emphasized that the country is in a transitional period following the August 5 student and people’s movement victory, calling for greater unity to achieve democratic transformation. He reflected on the spirit of the November 7 revolution, a symbol of military-civil unity led by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman in 1975 to establish democracy.

Central figures from the 12-Party Alliance, including Syed Ehsanul Huda, Golam Mohiuddin, and Shah Ahmed Badal, also addressed the gathering.