Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday voiced confidence that the ongoing dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties would pave the way for resolving the country’s political disputes.
“We are hopeful that everything will be resolved through discussions between the Consensus Commission and political parties,” Shafiqul told reporters at a press briefing, when asked about the protest programmes announced by Jamaat-e-Islami and several other parties. These groups have been pressing for demands that include holding the forthcoming general election in line with the July Charter.
The briefing was held at the Foreign Service Academy following a meeting of the Advisory Council at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, with Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
Responding to another query, Shafiqul said that this year, leaders of different political parties will attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session at the invitation of the Chief Adviser. He clarified that the visit should not be mistaken for any mediation effort over Bangladesh’s election, but rather as an opportunity to participate in a significant international forum.
“They are participating in such a global platform as partners of the government,” he said.
Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were also present at the briefing.
Meanwhile, Dhaka witnessed a wave of demonstrations on Thursday as seven political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, staged rallies and processions to press their demands. Among their key calls were the implementation of the July Charter, introduction of a proportional representation (PR) system, and the creation of a level playing field to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive election.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh began its rally at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque after the Zuhr prayers, which ended just as Jamaat’s rally commenced. Khelafat-e-Majlis and other Islamist groups also held separate programmes across the capital, echoing the same set of demands.
