National polls must be held in Feb: CA
NN ONLINE:
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today reiterated that the parliament election must be held in February next year.
“We repeatedly said that elections must be held in February . . . and it (election) will be held in a festive mood,” he told a meeting of the National Consensus Commission with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy here this evening, ahead of the July National Charter 2025 signing ceremony slated for October 17. Noting that the election is a part of the July National Charter that has been prepared by the Commission, Professor Yunus, also chairman of the Commission, said these are inter-related.
“We have to keep our words that we announced earlier,” he said, adding, “We will do every possible thing to make the election a festive one. We will not compromise in this regard”. The Chief Adviser said as the political parties prepared the July Charter in unison, now it is the duty of the government to hold the election in a festive manner taking all together.
“If we can do it, our efforts will be successful,” Professor Yunus said. About the political transition, he said, “We will move forward for a satisfactory transition as per the decision you gave (during the discussions). It is our expectation to transform your tireless efforts into reality that you have made in unison”.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Matiur Rahman Akanda, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju, Nagorik Oikkya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque and JSD leader Tania Rab spoke at the meeting, among others. Commission Vice-President Professor Ali Riaz delivered welcome speech at the meeting while Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haidar moderated it.
Speaking about the July Charter, Professor Yunus expressed his gratefulness to be part of the historic process that brought together diverse political parties to draft and agree upon the July Charter. “This is not only a remarkable achievement in Bangladesh’s history but also a significant event in the history of political systems around the world,” he said, adding that the process demonstrated how dialogue and perseverance could overcome divisions.
He thanked all the political parties and actors for their tireless efforts to prepare the charter through hard work, saying, “Today, I come here to extend my sincere gratitude to you. I could extend my gratitude during the charter signing ceremony, it would be ceremonial. But I wanted to thank you personally. Therefore, I am here on my own will”.
“You have made the impossible possible. None can imagine that the July Charter would come to fruition. But you did it,” Professor Yunus said. The Chief Adviser also expressed deep appreciation to all members of the Consensus Commission, particularly Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz and his other colleagues, for their tireless efforts in bringing the charter to fruition.
“The entire nation will remember your contribution,” Professor Yunus added. He said the signing of the July National Charter would mark “a day written in golden letters” in the country’s history and symbolize the next chapter of the student-people movement that brought about the current reform process.
“This is not an end but the beginning of many new chapters,” he said, noting that the government would ensure the dissemination of the charter’s key points across schools, colleges, and communities so that every citizen understands its essence. Terming the July Charter as a great asset, Professor Yunus said the pens, with which the charter will be signed, will be preserved in the museum.
The Chief Adviser said that he has already directed the concerned departments to preserve the records and debates of the Commission’s proceedings as a national treasure, through publications and video documentation. Concluding his remarks, Professor Yunus thanked all again and said Friday’s signing ceremony at the South Plaza of the National Parliament would be a national celebration. “We will go there together, sign the charter with a festive spirit, and share this moment with the entire nation,” he said.