CA meeting with BNP, Jamaat, NCP and 20 others: What was said
Yunus held separate meetings with the BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) yesterday (24 May). Today, he held meetings with leaders of 17 political parties in two phases
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has been holding a series of meetings with all the major political parties.
Yunus held separate meetings with the BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) yesterday (24 May). Today, he held meetings with leaders of 17 political parties in two phases.
The meetings come after NCP Convener Nahid Islam told media that Yunus was considering resignation.
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Meanwhile, the Advisory Council issued a statement saying, "The interim government upholds the public expectations of the July uprising. But if the government's autonomy, reform efforts, justice process, fair election plan, and normal operations are obstructed to the point of making its duties unmanageable, it will, with the people, take the necessary steps."
Read more of what the advisory council said
The statement came hours before Yunus' scheduled talks with the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami on elections and current issues – including Rakhine humanitarian corridor, foreign investment in ports – which both parties, alongside various other groups have strongly opposed.
BNP calls for swift completion of reforms, elections in December
At the meeting with the CA, the BNP called for swift completion of reforms, initiated by the interim government, as well as holding the national election by December this year.
Briefing reporters, party's Standing Committee Member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said, "We have called for completing the reforms quickly and holding the national election by December. Additionally, we have demanded the announcement of a roadmap for the election.
"We have also demanded the formation of an advisory council excluding controversial advisers."
Jamaat in favour of elections by Feb or just after Ramadan
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said the national elections should be held in February 2026 or just after next Ramadan, not stretching beyond that period.
Briefing reporters after a meeting with the CA, he said, "We have proposed two possible time frames – either in mid-February 2026, if all the reforms are done, or immediately after Ramadan if reforms take a bit longer."
He also said, "We have stated from our side that the government should announce two clear and specific roadmaps – for reform and the election."
NCP seeks specific roadmap for elections, reforms and justice
The National Citizen Party (NCP) sought a comprehensive roadmap addressing elections, reforms and justice from the interim government.
Party Convener Nahid Islam said, "We have requested the chief adviser to ensure the objectives for which he assumed office are fulfilled before taking further decisions. Our focus was on three integrated issues — reforms, justice, and elections — for which we urged a structured roadmap."
Additionally, they called for reforms in the Election Commission and pressed for local government polls to be held before the national election.
"We were assured that the July Charter could be introduced within the month of July," Nahid added.
AB Party calls for election by 5 February
AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju said they called for holding an election by 5 February.
"He [Yunus] said he does not find the environment conducive to holding a fair election. He said if there is a proper environment for holding an election, he will conduct one," Monju told reporters after the meeting.
"We have proposed that if the election can be held by 5 February, it will be a good time. We have also said that if necessary, the Advisory Council needs could be reshuffled."
The party also requested the chief adviser to bridge the gap between all political parties.
Read more of what the parties said
No scope for Yunus to leave midway: Jonayed Saki
Gono Songhoti Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki stated that since the people have placed their trust in Yunus, it is his responsibility to fulfill that role.
"Yunus has no option to leave midway. We believe that no matter how much pressure you [Yunus] face, you must carry out the responsibility you have undertaken and set an example," Saki told reporters.
Saki also called for discussions among the country's political parties.
"We told the chief adviser that the people want to see a visible trial process [for crimes committed during uprising]. In response, he said that the government is providing maximum support to the judiciary. He expressed hope that the judicial process will proceed without delay and maintain international standards."
On the election issue, Saki said, "The government has said that the election will be held between December and June. However, we said that if a specific timeframe is given, political parties will be able to prepare accordingly."
Nagorik Oikya wants fair and neutral election
Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, said their main demand is a fair and neutral election.
"He [Yunus] must consider what reforms, if any, are necessary. If such reforms take time, it may delay the election. But he has assured us that under no circumstances will the timeline extend beyond June," Manna told reporters.
He also stated that the chief adviser has no intention of extending his power and does not want to prolong the tenure of the interim government.
Islami Andolan demands elections after necessary reforms
Maulana Rezaul Karim, ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said they demanded elections after the necessary reforms.
"At the same time, we have demanded local elections before the national election because it will stop the use of black money and influence.
"We have also asked him to discuss with political parties first before any decisions on sensitive national issues."
Hefazat wants to see visible progress in trial process
Hefazat-e-Islam called for visible progress in the trial process for all crimes committed during the previous government, including the Shapla Chattar "massacre".
Maulana Mamunul Haque, joint secretary general of Hefazat-e-Islam, said, "He [Yunus] has assured us that if everyone cooperates, he will conduct a fair and acceptable election. He will not go beyond June 2026."
Hefazat also raised the issue that some proposals of the Women's Reform Commission are against the Quran.
They also demanded dropping more than 300 "false" cases filed by the previous government against their party members.
Biplobi Workers Party says there is lack of coordination among advisers
Saiful Haque, general secretary of Biplobi Workers Party of Bangladesh, said he told the chief adviser that there is a lack of coordination among the advisers.
"Each one is saying different things. We are not clear about which is the government's statement. There is a tendency within the government to avoid political parties."
He also said it would not be right to take decisions on issues related to national interests like ports and corridors without discussing them with political parties.
