CA calls for unity to resist any attempt to derail elections
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called on democratic forces to remain united to resist conspiracies by defeated forces working to create unrest and sabotage the upcoming elections.
"If all pro-democracy forces fail to come together and ensure a proper election, we will lose this crucial opportunity," he said during an exchange of views with top leaders of 14 political parties at the State Guesthouse Jamuna.
He stated that the defeated forces repeatedly try to create chaos whenever they get the chance, thereby severely disrupting the country's progress.
"Every time we move forward with election preparations, new conspiracies emerge.
"But the reality is that no conspiracy can obstruct democratic progress, because there is clear unity among democratic forces on resisting fascism," the chief adviser added.
He expressed hope for cooperation from all political parties in organising a fair election.
In response, political leaders present at the meeting assured the chief adviser of their full cooperation.
The meeting began with a minute of silence and prayer in memory of the victims of the recent jet crash into the Milestone School and College.
The political leaders attending the discussion include Aminul Haque Tipu Biswas of the National People's Front; Mostafa Jamal Haider from the 12-party alliance; Maulana Abdul Majed Athari of the Nizam-e-Islam Party; Maulana Yusuf Ashraf of the Khelafat Majlis; Fariduzzaman Farhad, Chairman of the NPP; Syed Ehsanul Huda, Chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Dal; Mushtaq Hossain of JaSaD; Bobby Hajjaj of the Nationalist Democratic Movement; Shamim Haider, Secretary General of the Zaker Party; Mufti Sakhawat Hossain Raji, Secretary General of the Islami Oikya Jote; Rafiqul Islam Bablu, Chairman of the Bhasani Janashakti Party; Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Chairman of the Bangladesh Labour Party; Masud Rana, Coordinator of Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist); and Manjurul Islam Afandi of Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam.
Election date, process to be announced within 4-5 days: CA tells 14 party leaders
Yunus has stated that the election date and roadmap will be announced within the next four to five days, Head of the 12-party alliance Mostafa Jamal Haider quoted him as saying.
"Nothing could be more joyous than this," he said, following the meeting.
Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam's Manjurul said, "The chief adviser spoke to us about various crises and emphasised the need for unity.
"He said they want to move towards elections shortly."
He added that some party leaders considered the order of dialogue participation as discriminatory.
"We also expressed our objection to the opening of a UN human rights office. He listened to our concerns."
