Leaders of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday (October 22) to discuss the government’s overall preparations and measures for the upcoming general election.
During separate meetings held at the state guesthouse Jamuna, the parties discussed the implementation process of the July Charter, the roadmap for the trial of the July killings, and the issue of a referendum.
Assuring both parties, the Chief Adviser said, “The interim government will take all necessary steps to ensure that the forthcoming national election is free and impartial.” He sought the cooperation of all active political parties, including Jamaat and NCP, to make the election peaceful and festive.
“You can rest assured of our neutrality. We have already taken various measures to organize a free, fair, and credible election, and you will see many more initiatives in the days ahead,” the Chief Adviser said during his discussion with Jamaat leaders.
The NCP delegation, led by Convenor Nahid Islam, included four members: Chief Organizer for the northern region Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Convenor Samanta Sharmin, and Joint Convenor Khaled Saifullah.
Later, Jamaat’s delegation was led by Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Taher, and included Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General A.T.M. Masum, and Rafiqul Islam Khan.
On behalf of the government, Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, Legal Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, and Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan were present in both meetings.
During the discussion, Nahid Islam stated, “Before the election, we want assurance of a clear roadmap for justice over the July killings and implementation of the July Charter. The government must take firm action in this regard.”
The Chief Adviser urged the NCP to sign the July Charter, describing it as “a priceless asset for the nation where participation from everyone is essential.”
He also assured the NCP that the National Consensus Commission was already working on the process of implementing the Charter.
Nahid Islam informed the Chief Adviser that the NCP had already sent a letter to the Commission requesting discussions with relevant legal experts.
After the meeting with the NCP, Jamaat leaders met with the Chief Adviser and demanded that a referendum on the July Charter be held before the national election.
“Since the July Charter contains many issues connected with the national election, the referendum must be held before it,” said Dr. Abdullah Muhammad Taher during the meeting.
He added, “If the referendum and the national election are held on the same day, it could make the voting process lengthy and complicated.”
Jamaat leaders also expressed their full confidence in any decision taken by the Chief Adviser to ensure neutrality in the election-time administration.
The Chief Adviser informed both NCP and Jamaat delegations that he would personally supervise any reshuffles within the administration before the election and would coordinate with the Election Commission to take necessary steps accordingly.
