If BNP calls, we will join talks: Jamaat leader Azad

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is ready to participate in political dialogue if the BNP initiates it, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said today (10 November). 

Speaking at a press briefing after a meeting of eight like-minded parties in Dhaka, Azad said that despite Jamaat's invitation for talks to resolve the political crisis, the BNP publicly stated that it would not participate in any dialogue with them.

"That's fine. We are also publicly saying: if you call, we will join the talks," he said.

Azad alleged that BNP's refusal to engage in dialogue has complicated the implementation process of the July National Charter and wasted opportunities for national unity.

Speaking on behalf of the eight-party liaison committee, Azad said, "The signed July charter was not part of the implementation process. The charter and its implementation are two distinct parts. Separate discussions were held for five days on this, but BNP is mixing the two and making various allegations, including claims of deception."

He added, "We hope the BNP will set aside party interests for the national good and move forward with implementing the July charter."

Criticising the interim government, Azad said that issuing the order to implement the July National charter is being unnecessarily delayed. 

"According to the commission's recommendations, the order could have been issued within 24 to 48 hours, but more than two weeks have passed, and the decision remains pending," he said.

The Jamaat leader further stated that if BNP had shown interest in dialogue earlier, the political crisis could have been resolved sooner. "One party [BNP] refusing to sit with Jamaat reflects a poor political culture of the past," he said.

Azad also announced that the eight-party coalition's previously declared grand rally will be held tomorrow (11 November) at the Paltan intersection in Dhaka. "We hope millions will gather and the government will heed our demands," he said.