Political parties meet Yunus, affirm anti-fascist unity
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Tuesday night said that political parties are united in their stance against fascism, with no divisions or disputes among them.
He made these remarks at a press conference outside Jamuna following a meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and leaders of four political parties – BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Asif Nazrul clarified that while political leaders may occasionally criticize each other as part of the political process, this does not indicate any rift. “They are our political allies, not opponents. We should not assume any division in the anti-fascist unity,” he said, relaying assurances from the parties.
The political leaders raised two key issues during the meeting: the need for the government to take a stronger stance on maintaining law and order and for the BNP’s call to ensure a fair election process.
Dr Yunus emphasised the importance of visible unity, stating, “Whether it’s about preventing fascism or pursuing constructive programs, your unity, when visible, will reassure and inspire the public.”
The party leaders affirmed their unity, noting that their consistent attendance at meetings called by the Chief Adviser and their participation in the National Consensus Commission demonstrate their commitment to collaboration. They assured the government that there is no cause for concern regarding their unity.
Asif Nazrul added that the parties have identified associates of banned fascist groups attempting to regroup across the country and urged the government to take strict administrative action against them. The leaders also committed to attending future discussions called by the Chief Adviser, expressing their willingness to share opinions and make collective decisions.
The Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, was present at the press conference.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus began the high-level meeting with four political parties 9:00pm.
The meeting included representatives from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB).
According to Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury are representing the party at the meeting.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Amir Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad are also attending along with National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain; and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) Presidium Member Professor Ashraf Ali Akon and Joint Secretary General Gazi Ataur Rahman.
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to engage major political forces in dialogue during the current transitional period. Details of the discussions are expected to be shared in a forthcoming statement.