Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has urged all political parties to adopt a firm and unified stance against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League, describing their recent actions as an “existential threat” to Bangladesh’s democratic future.
“It is time for all political parties to take a clear position regarding Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League,” Shafiqul said. “Today, Hasina again labeled the participants of the July movement as terrorists. The Awami League wants to return to power by branding 18 crore people as terrorists and unleashing violence against them. Political parties must take a strong and firm position on this issue,” he added.
He made the remarks while speaking at a policy dialogue organised by TRACE Consulting at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on Saturday.
The event focused on how political parties can use technology to better reflect citizens’ aspirations in their election manifestos.
Shafiqul said the next national election will be held in the first half of February, adding that the Chief Adviser and other members of the interim government are working relentlessly to ensure a free and fair vote.
“There is no uncertainty about the election. The Chief Adviser, along with all advisers, is fully engaged in the preparation process,” he said.
According to him, a wave of election enthusiasm is sweeping across the country, and the interim government is committed to holding the 13th national parliamentary election on schedule.
Responding to criticism that the July Charter excluded farmers, women, and labourers, the press secretary said political parties already represent all such groups. “Everything has been included in the July Charter. After the election, there may be new dialogues on additional issues,” he noted.
Shafiqul identified employment generation as one of the key challenges for the next government, pointing out that artificial intelligence (AI) has already emerged as a significant disruptor in the job market.
He also mentioned that around USD 5 billion has been invested in railway projects extending to Gopalganj. “All this was implemented under Sheikh Hasina’s corrupt system. The next government will face serious challenges because of that legacy,” he alleged.
