Four major political parties have urged the interim government to adopt a stronger stance to restore law and order, during a high-level meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday night.
The closed-door meeting took place at the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna, and was attended by senior leaders of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and the National Citizen Party (NCP).
Following the meeting, Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul briefed the media around 11 pm on Tuesday, sharing key highlights of the discussion.
He said the Chief Adviser had encouraged the parties to demonstrate their unity more visibly, noting that it would foster public confidence.
“Not only did he call for unity among the political parties, but he also said it would be good if this unity becomes more visible—whether on the question of anti-fascism or through constructive programmes. Such solidarity would bring comfort and hope to the people,” said Nazrul.
The parties raised two key issues during the meeting. The first was the need for the government to take a firmer stance on maintaining law and order, acknowledging that there had been some shortcomings. The second point, raised by the BNP, stressed the importance of moving forward transparently with the election process.
Nazrul said the parties also assured the Chief Adviser of their commitment to unity, citing their consistent attendance at meetings of the National Consensus Commission as evidence.
On the issue of unity against fascism, the party leaders dismissed any notion of internal division.
“They told the Chief Adviser that they are united in their stand against fascism. While political competition may lead to occasional criticism of one another in public speeches, that should not be mistaken for a breakdown in alliance. They see each other as political allies, not adversaries,” said Nazrul.
Present at the meeting were BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, as well as Islami Andolon Bangladesh Presidium Member Ashraf Ali Akon and Joint Secretary General Gazi Ataur Rahman.