We compromised and even signed July Charter to avoid election delays over reforms: Salahuddin

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed claimed his party made significant compromises to prevent any delay to the national election under the pretext of reforms.

"We refrained from saying many things in the interest of elections. There was a concern that elections might be stalled in the name of reforms, so we compromised on many issues and even signed the July National Charter," he said taking part in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on President's speech in parliament today (30 April).

He added that political stakeholders reached an understanding through dialogue and unity, emphasising that the July Charter was a product of consensus.

Referring to the July Implementation Order, the minister criticised what he described as an illegal and unconstitutional directive issued by the president.

He said his party, along with its allies in the simultaneous movement, had clearly stated in a press conference in Gulshan that they would not accept anything outside the July National Charter. "There is record, video and media coverage of our position," he said.

Salahuddin also spoke about the implications of a two-thirds parliamentary majority, warning that such dominance in the past had undermined multiparty democracy.

"Had there not been a shift, the one-party system would not have been abolished and multiparty democracy would not have been restored," he added.

Expressing concern over the current state of social media discourse, the home minister said freedom of expression was being misused.

"If this continues unchecked, it will damage our culture, social harmony and religious coexistence," he warned, alleging that abusive language and personal attacks, even involving family members of the prime minister, have become widespread.

Addressing young people, he urged them not to turn the spirit of past political movements into a 'political commodity'. "July belongs to everyone. "We should uphold its spirit rather than claiming exclusive credit," he said, adding that all participants in anti-authoritarian democratic movements share equal ownership of its achievements.

Referring to the opposition's formation of a shadow cabinet, he welcomed the move, saying it could enhance responsibility and political engagement.

He expressed interest in maintaining communication and exchanging information with opposition counterparts.

Responding to remarks by Deputy Opposition Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher regarding the ownership of banks, Salahuddin Ahmed criticised contradictory statements.

He said the issue of shareholding transparency should be clarified, alleging that bank takeovers had occurred both during previous governments and under the interim administration, albeit in different ways.

Thanking the president, he said the head of state played a guardian-like role during the period from 5 to 8 August 2024, when the country was without a formal government.

He further observed that the interim government had support from different political forces both 'inside and outside,' adding that some of those groups are now expressing dissatisfaction. "If things were good before, how did they suddenly become bad? This is contradictory," he said.