Stronger stance needed on maintaining law and order: Political parties to CA
"Whether it's in the context of anti-fascist movements or any constructive agenda, if you stay together, it gives the people hope," the chief adviser said as quoted by Asif Nazrul
Political parties have urged the interim government to adopt a stronger stance in maintaining law and order, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul said tonight (22 July).
Watch: Yunus sits with major parties
"The political parties particularly emphasised two issues. Firstly, they expect us [government] to take a stronger stance in maintaining law and order. They also mentioned that we have some deficiencies in this regard," the adviser told reporters after a meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and representatives of four political parties at the state guest house, Jamuna.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He added, "BNP representatives said the government should move forward with the election process in a fair manner."
Asif further said the political leaders vowed to remain united in their efforts against fascism. "Some of them mentioned that political opponents may criticise one another, but that doesn't mean there's a rift within the alliance."
"They said the unity among the political parties is evident in the way they respond promptly whenever the chief adviser calls a meeting. They also stated that their regular participation in the Consensus Commission meetings is a result of this unity," he said.
The chief adviser encouraged the political parties to make their unity more visible to the public. "Whether it's in the context of anti-fascist movements or any constructive agenda, if you stay together, it gives the people hope," the chief adviser said as quoted by Asif Nazrul.
'Certain quarters are attempting to destabilise the law and order situation'
Speaking to reporters, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said, "We informed the chief adviser that certain quarters are attempting to destabilise the law and order situation.
"There are some weaknesses within our law enforcement agencies, as well as deficiencies in the intelligence services. We have identified these issues and brought them to the chief adviser's attention."
Referring to the Milestone plane crash, the Jamaat leader said that student protests are scheduled for tomorrow. "Depending on the situation, we may also announce street programmes."
"The chief adviser assured us that both the security forces and the Cabinet will remain vigilant, and he sought our cooperation. We are fully prepared to offer our support," he added.
Regarding the upcoming election, Taher said, "We said that unrest may arise surrounding the election, so law and order must be monitored closely from now on. We urged the chief adviser to take comprehensive steps to create a level playing field so that a free and fair election can be held."
The meeting began at 9pm with representatives from four political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizens Party (NCP), and Islami Andolan Bangladesh.
The meeting was held after day-long protests across different districts demanding resignation of the education adviser over the late rescheduling of HSC exams and lack of transparency about casualties from the recent Milestone plane crash.
Among the attendees were BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury; Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad; NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain; and Islami Andolan Bangladesh Presidium Member Ashraf Ali Akon and Joint Secretary General Gazi Ataur Rahman.
