The political scene has heated up across the country amid divisions among anti-fascist political parties over the July Charter and the timing of a proposed referendum, as eight parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, prepare to stage a major rally in the capital today to press their demands.
Politics heats up over referendumThe Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), however, is treading carefully, as it wants the national election to be held in February 2026 without any delay.
In a recent development, the BNP and Jamaat, along with other political groups, are now waiting for mediation by the current interim government to resolve the deadlock over implementing the July Charter and holding a referendum.
The BNP and its allies have already declared that the referendum must take place on the same day as the national election. Jamaat and seven other parties, on the other hand, are campaigning for their five-point demand, including a referendum before the general election.
Earlier, the BNP rejected Jamaat’s call for dialogue, questioning why another political party – rather than the government – was issuing the invitation.
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury warned against pushing politics to the brink.
“You [Jamaat and allies] will go on the streets in words. Now if another party (BNP) goes on the streets to protest, what will happen? Won’t there be clashes?” he asked.
“If a larger party takes to the streets in Bangladesh, there will be clashes. The people of Bangladesh do not want to see conflicting politics; they want stability.”
Tensions have risen between the two major political blocs ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, leaving ordinary citizens uncertain whether the polls will be held on schedule.
The interim government, headed by Professor Muhammad Yunus, has announced that the national election will take place in February next year.
However, a new twist has emerged as some supporters of the fallen fascist Awami League have posted threats on social media, saying they will take to the streets nationwide on 13 November.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the party would join talks if invited by the government.
At a meeting on Monday night, the BNP Standing Committee discussed the ongoing crisis over the referendum and the movement led by Jamaat and its allies, party sources said.
According to the same sources, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman instructed party leaders to stay alert regarding Jamaat’s activities.
The interim government said it had issued a one-week directive on 3 November – following a decision by the advisory council – urging the parties to reach a consensus through dialogue. Political sources say informal mediation efforts are under way but have not yet achieved concrete results.
Officials said the government would wait a few more days for the parties to find common ground. If they fail, the government will step in and take a decision.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said some informal discussions are already taking place with the parties.
“If the political parties can’t reach a consensus, then the interim government will take a decision as per its mandate,” Shafiqul Alam said.
Jamaat, allies plan major rally in the capital today
Jamaat and its seven allies are set to hold a major rally in the capital today to press for their five-point demands.
Party sources said they intend to demonstrate their organisational strength and push the government to meet their demands.
The rally is scheduled to be held at Paltan Crossing at 2pm. Senior leaders of the eight parties, including Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, are expected to address the gathering.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said that his party remains “ready to sit in talks with the BNP to resolve the issue.”
He said, “We have already offered them. We are urging the government to mediate the issue. It is the responsibility of the interim government to mediate the talks to resolve the crisis.”
Asked whether Jamaat would launch tougher action on 11 November, he replied, “Let’s see what happens.”
Parwar also said the party would continue its movement until their demands are realised.
Experts call for dialogue to prevent exploitation by third forces
Political experts have said that the current stalemate should be resolved before it is exploited by the fallen fascist forces.
They believe it is the responsibility of the interim government to bring the parties to the table and prevent a potentially destabilising confrontation.
Experts also noted that, as a major political force, the BNP bears significant responsibility for helping to end the crisis.
Prof Sabbir Ahmed of the Department of Political Science at Dhaka University said, “Now the ball is in the court of the interim government. If it wishes, it can resolve the deadlock by arranging talks between the political parties. Otherwise, I hope the government will declare its decision and the parties must abide by it.”
He also cautioned that the situation should not be allowed to deteriorate to a point where anti-fascist forces could take advantage.
Prof Kazi Md Mahbubur Rahman, also of Dhaka University, agreed that mediation is vital.
“I would like to say that this current stalemate is actually a strong bargaining tool among the parties ahead of the national election. I hope the deadlock will be resolved before any third party gets the chance to interfere,” he said.
Source:Daily Sun
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
