Tensions persist as major parties stick to their guns

Tensions continue to persist as the main political parties stick to their guns, creating a sense of uncertainty among the people in general.

Though several advisers told media that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus did not mention anything about quitting from his post as reported on Friday, the council of advisers in a statement on Saturday said that if they faced obstruction, they might take 'necessary decisions'.

Hectic efforts continued throughout the day on Saturday to dispel the uneasiness in the political arena as the Chief Adviser met separately with BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami,  and the NCP.

But the outcome of these meetings shows that these parties are wide apart on issues related to election roadmap, with BNP  demanding general elections by December and resignation of national security adviser Khalilur Rahman and two advisers of the interim government picked from students who participated in the July uprising.

On the other hand, Jamaat and NCP stressed that they had no objection if election is held by June next year.

The NCP, however, demanded cancellation of all elections held under the Sheikh Hasina regime including the local government polls. This is seen by political analysts as a shrewd move to block BNP leader Ishrak Hossain's bid to assume the post of Mayor of the Dhaka South City Corporation.

This will further put both BNP and NCP on a confrontational course, political observers fear.

After the meeting with the CA, BNP Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the party sought a roadmap for the national elections immediately.

A four-member BNP delegation led by Khandaker Mosharraf joined the meeting at State Guest House Jamuna. Other members were Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salauddin Ahmed.

Talking to reporters after the meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, Mosharraf said BNP discussed three main issues--reforms, trials and elections.

"Reforms are ongoing issues. It will continue. We expected this government to propose a reform based on consensus. If the people put us in power, we will keep that reform going and make efforts to implement it," he said.

Regarding cases lodged against BNP leaders during Awami League regime, Mosharraf said BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, party's acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, numerous leaders and activists were subjected to inhumane torture during the Awami League regime.

Following BNP's meeting, a Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami delegation held discussions with the Chief Adviser on upcoming national election and reform initiatives.

The meeting was attended by Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher.

Emerging from the talks, Shafiqur expressed hope for "a meaningful election ensuring a level-playing field."

"We sought roadmap for both elections and reforms.

National Consensus Commission Vice-chairman Professor Ali Riaz and Adviser Asif Mahmud accompanied the Chief Adviser during the discussions.

After their meeting with the CA, National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam said they demanded cancellation of the results of all polls including the local government elections held under previous regime of Sheikh Hasina.

They urged the interim government to declare a roadmap for the national election, alongside announcing the July charter and reform roadmaps. The party however, reiterated its position for local government elections before the national elections.

Dr Yunus will sit with another eight parties today (Sunday).

Chief Adviser's press secretary said on Saturday the Professor Muhammad Yunus reiterated his position on the next election, stressing that the government would not go beyond June next year.

"Prof Yunus is a man of word. He gave a cut-off time. He won't go beyond that," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters, referring to the next national election that is likely to be held between December 2025 and June 2026.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com