BNP, Jamaat, NCP meet CA, vow unity against attempts to undermine July Uprising after Hadi shooting
The chief adviser says the attack is 'part of a pre-planned and deep-rooted conspiracy.'
Leaders of several political parties have said they are united against what they describe as attempts to thwart the July uprising, identifying the attack on aspiring MP candidate Osman Hadi as part of a broader conspiracy.
The parties expressed their views today (13 December) at a meeting at the state guest house Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, according to the CA's Press Wing.
The discussion focused on the recent attack on Osman Hadi, spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha and an aspiring independent candidate for Dhaka-8.
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During the meeting, the chief adviser said the attack is "part of a pre-planned and deep-rooted conspiracy," adding that a "powerful group" is behind it.
"The objective of those involved is to prevent the election from taking place. The attack was highly symbolic," he said.
According to him, the aim was to demonstrate strength and disrupt preparations for the election, and such attempts must be confronted in a united manner.
"The information gathered so far indicates the conspirators have expanded their network. They have deployed trained shooters," Yunus added.
Participants at the meeting included BNP Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Hafizuddin Ahmed; Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair; National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam and Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah; Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber; and Law Adviser Asif Nazrul.
What party leaders said
BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said political parties must remain united in the current situation and avoid blaming one another.
"We must raise our voice unitedly against the conspiracy. We will not tolerate any kind of evil force," he said, adding that political differences should be set aside for the sake of the nation and the July Uprising.
He also stressed the need to strengthen efforts to recover illegal weapons and take action against conspirators.
Meanwhile, Jamaat leader Mia Golam Porwar said recent statements by political leaders have increased a tendency to blame one another, creating opportunities for opponents.
"We have turned each other into opponents for petty party interests. Why should we say things that divide the nation?" he said, calling on all parties to reaffirm their commitments and remain united as before.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam said that since the July Uprising, certain groups have been carrying out organised efforts to undermine it.
"A well-organised campaign is ongoing against July [Uprising] at various levels of the media and administration," he said, warning that even those who come to power after the election would be affected and that no one would be able to run the government alone.
"A narrative is being created in the media and on social media that it appears those who participated in the uprising have committed a crime, while efforts are being made to normalise the Awami League and Jatiyo Party.
"They are regularly participating in TV talk shows, holding meetings in various parts of the administration, gathering at universities, and shouting slogans on court premises," he alleged.
"We do not need special security. Everyone must collectively own July," he said, adding that internal divisions are weakening the movement and benefiting the conspirators.
Nahid also said action should be taken against those advancing the Awami League's agenda under the guise of intellectuals and cultural activists.
NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah said unity among political parties is essential, noting that security measures will be ineffective if parties fail to remain united.
"The parties are creating opportunities for the Awami League for the sake of political interest," he said.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said both the government and political leaders must remain strong and exercise restraint.
"Political statements will be made, but the culture of treating others as enemies or attacking them must be abandoned," he said, adding that election-related tensions should remain within controlled limits.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the Awami League has regained strength amid infighting among political parties.
Calling for unity, he urged parties to remain vigilant not only about party interests but also about national interests.
