Resolve political disagreements through dialogue, not confrontational programmes: Charmonai Pir
For the past 15 years, the presence of division and mistrust in national politics allowed fascist forces to rule with an iron fist, he says
Amid increasingly confrontational politics between the NCP and the BNP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB) Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, popularly known as Charmonai Pir, has called on all democratic forces to refrain from political actions which risk creating division in the aftermath of the July Uprising.
In a statement issued today (22 May), Rezaul Karim noted that for the past 15 years, the presence of division and mistrust in national politics allowed fascist forces to rule with an iron fist.
He urged political parties to abandon the culture of mutual antagonism that has long plagued Bangladesh's politics, leading to violence and intolerance.
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"We must not allow a repetition of this toxic culture in the new political landscape following the July Uprising."
The Charmonai Pir emphasised that while political disagreements are natural, they must be resolved through dialogue, legal mechanisms, and mutual understanding — not through confrontational programmes or discourteous conduct.
He also urged the government to swiftly announce a roadmap for upcoming local elections and begin preparations to hold them by early winter.
"Any attempt to derail post-uprising consensus politics over city corporation issues may jeopardise the path to reform and the vision of a new Bangladesh."
Regarding the recent controversy around the proposed "humanitarian corridor," he said that such issues should have been clarified earlier to avoid public confusion.
Nevertheless, Rezaul expressed confidence in the explanation given by National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and called on the interim government to avoid pushing controversial reforms — such as handing over the management of Chattogram Port to foreign firms or introducing proposals like a Women's Reform Commission — without broad political consensus.
"National reform is non-negotiable. However, it must be achieved through inclusive, consultative politics to pave the way for building a better future for Bangladesh," he added.
