Staff Reporter :
At an Iftar gathering hosted by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) on Sunday evening, political leaders from various parties stressed the need for national unity and swift electoral reform.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar were among the key speakers at the event, held at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, in his speech as the chief guest, claimed that Bangladesh had achieved a new form of independence by overcoming what he described as the “fascist” government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He emphasised the importance of strengthening internal unity to ensure the country’s progress.
Fakhrul reiterated BNP’s commitment to reforms and recalled the 31-point reform agenda the party had proposed two years ago, which aligns with current discussions on national reforms. He called for an interim government to facilitate elections as soon as possible, ensuring a smooth transition to an elected government.
“The task of rebuilding Bangladesh from the destruction left behind by the current regime is monumental, but it requires collaboration among all political parties,” Fakhrul said. “It is not the government’s responsibility alone; it is a collective effort.”
The BNP leader also criticised the Hasina administration for undermining state institutions and eroding democracy, stressing that the nation could not afford further delays in holding elections. He warned that prolonged elections would only benefit extremist forces and destabilise the country.
At the same event, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mia Golam Parwar called for the interim government to swiftly announce a transparent election roadmap. He urged the government to quickly set a date for national elections and provide a clear plan to ensure the credibility of the process.
Drawing on the student and public uprisings of July, Parwar connected the push for an election roadmap to the people’s aspirations for a “New Bangladesh.”
He emphasised that a free, fair, and credible election was essential for realising democratic values, social justice, and national equality.
“We must ensure that the transition of power is peaceful and transparent, guided by democratic principles,” Parwar said, adding that all political parties shared the goal of holding a fair election. He also highlighted the need for the Election Commission and the government to take a clear stance on the matter.
In addition to electoral concerns, Parwar called for the swift prosecution of individuals responsible for crimes against humanity over the past 15-16 years, emphasising that justice for past atrocities was vital for the nation’s progress.
He called for public accountability for actions that had undermined democracy and eroded the people’s trust in the state.
Parwar’s remarks underscored the importance of national consensus on elections and the necessity of unity across political divides to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. He stressed that such unity would be crucial to preventing the rise of fascist forces.
“We must set aside our differences and come together for the sake of a prosperous, democratic Bangladesh,” he concluded.
The Iftar gathering, attended by numerous journalists and political figures, was presided over by DUJ General Secretary Khurshid Alam. Other notable speakers included Dhaka Journalists’ Union President Shahidul Islam, Acting BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shahin, and journalist leader Kader Gani Chowdhury.
The event provided a platform for political leaders to advocate for timely electoral reforms and stressed the importance of national unity, setting the stage for further discussions on the country’s future direction as it heads toward a more inclusive and democratic election process
