Prepare Politicians Early for the General Election

On Thursday, leaders from various political parties gathered in Dhaka to urge the interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, to hold the next general election promptly following essential reforms. The discussion marked the 52nd founding anniversary of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), with different factions holding events across Dhaka.

At a discussion held at the National Press Club, JSD president ASM Abdur Rob presided, while Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on the interim government to conduct the election as soon as possible after implementing a few necessary reforms. Fakhrul emphasized that the interim administration need only enact certain immediate reforms, leaving further changes to be addressed by the incoming elected government.

Fakhrul also urged the interim government's advisory council to avoid statements that could create public discord. JSD president ASM Abdur Rob advocated for a reformed governance structure, including a bicameral parliament, aligning with the 31-point demand of the Ganatantra Mancha. "We aim to establish a democratic system resilient against authoritarianism," Rob stated.

Nagarik Oikya president Mahmudur Rahman Manna recommended that the interim government engage all political parties to agree on a timeline for reforms, addressing the aspirations from recent student and public movements. Revolutionary Workers Party general secretary Saiful Huq noted that the interim government had yet to control law and order or stabilize essential commodity prices. 

Ganosamhati Andolan’s Zonayed Saki promised to restore democratic rights and voting freedoms. Leaders from the Bhashani Onusari Parishad, Rastra Sanskar Andolan, and JSD, including Tania Rob and Shahid Uddin Mahmod Shapon, also participated in the discussion.

Simultaneously, Bangladesh Jasod held a discussion chaired by its president Sharif Nurul Ambia at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, reiterating the call for an election within a reasonable timeframe following essential reforms. Leaders from the Gonoforum, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Socialist Party of Bangladesh, and other prominent figures voiced similar sentiments at this gathering.

Another Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod faction convened at its central office under the leadership of Shafiuddin Mollah, with contributions from other central leaders, underscoring the shared call for a timely election facilitated by preliminary reforms.