BNP, IAB unite for nat’l consensus, fair elections
Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) have reached an agreement on a 10-point decision, which includes implementing the necessary “minimum” reforms and holding a free and fair national election in the near future.
This decision followed a nearly two-hour meeting between Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the Ameer of IAB, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday, marking their first direct engagement.
Both parties agreed that no decisions would be made that contradict Sharia law.
Following the meeting, Fakhrul stated: “We have agreed on 10 points, which include building a national consensus to protect all human rights, the right to vote, and the organisation of fair and acceptable elections as soon as possible after completing the minimum necessary reforms.
Additionally, we will work to prevent price hikes, ensure the rights of deprived groups, and strive to restore law and order to a normal state.”
He also added that all anti-fascist forces opposing the Awami League would join together to rebuild the country.
Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the Ameer of IAB, remarked that discussions with other political parties would continue. Regarding the elections, he stated: “We have agreed with BNP to hold elections within a reasonable timeframe of one to one and a half years, without unnecessary delays. Our primary focus is on conducting a fair election within the next year, as six months have already passed.”
Ahead of the forthcoming national parliamentary elections, BNP has taken steps to strengthen its unity with Islamic parties.
The 10-point decision reached between BNP and Islami Andolan Bangladesh outlines several key demands.
They include establishment of national unity by creating an independent, sovereign, and democratic welfare state, free from foreign influence and imperialism, swift trial and exemplary punishment of corrupt individuals, terrorists, murderers, and money launderers, building a national consensus to safeguard human rights, including the right to vote, The completion of necessary reforms and the organisation of fair and acceptable elections as soon as possible, preventing price increases, ensuring the rights of the deprived, and restoring law and order, all anti-Awami League forces are urged to work together to rebuild the country, with an emphasis on maintaining unity to prevent another fascist regime like the Awami League from coming to power, no actions will be taken that contradict Sharia law and immediate removal of individuals linked to the Awami fascism still present within the administration.
The decision marks a significant step in aligning the two parties ahead of the upcoming elections, while focusing on key issues concerning governance, justice, and economic stability.