BNP held two separate meetings on Friday with leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and the 12-party alliance to discuss the country's current political climate and coordinate efforts for the timely holding of the next election, with necessary reforms, reports UNB.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., a 10-member delegation from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.
Following the meeting, Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters that they had discussed the country’s socio-economic situation and reached agreement on several key points. "Patriotic and democratic political parties should be united for the welfare of the country," he said.
He noted that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam has long been an ally of the BNP, having joined forces in the movement against the Awami fascist regime. “Fascism has fallen, but democracy is yet to be restored,” he added, expressing hope that the country would soon return to democratic rule through a free, fair, and inclusive election.
The BNP leader emphasized that the government must arrange national elections with necessary reforms in place, adding, “We believe these reforms can be completed swiftly.”
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Secretary General Monjurul Islam Afendi also weighed in, saying their discussions covered the urgent need for elections, measures to control the rising cost of essential goods, and steps to address the current law and order situation. He also mentioned that both parties agreed to ensure that no laws contrary to the Quran and Sunnah would be enacted should BNP return to power.
Earlier, Nazrul Islam Khan held a meeting with senior leaders of the 12-party alliance at the same venue. However, no details were provided regarding the outcome of that meeting.
Contacted for comment, 12-party coordinator Shahadat Hossain Selim told UNB that the discussions centered on pressing the government for early elections, exerting pressure on authorities, and managing commodity prices and law and order during Ramadan. He noted that the BNP is seeking to broaden its alliance by involving other democratic, left-wing, and Islamic parties, and that they had offered constructive suggestions in this regard.
When asked about future actions, Selim said no concrete plans had been finalized for street protests to demand an early election. "We discussed potential courses of action, but BNP will ultimately make the final decision in consultation with other parties," he explained. He added that BNP would meet with other democratic parties involved in the simultaneous movement, as well as those willing to join their alliance, to plan future actions. Selim suggested that the parties might organize joint programs or independent actions to raise public awareness and pressure the government for an election after the necessary reforms are implemented.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
