Leaders of the left-wing alliance Democratic United Front met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday and discussed the country’s overall political and law-and-order situation, as well as various issues related to the upcoming national election.
The left leaders also discussed the country’s economic situation and expressed concern over the rise of extremism at the meeting held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan.
The Democratic United Front delegation included CPB Presidium member Mujahidul Islam Selim, its President Kazi Sajjad Jahir Chandan, General Secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan, BASD General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, Assistant General Secretary Rajequzzaman Ratan, Bangladesh JASAD General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan and its Standing Committee member Mostaq Hossain, Bangladesh Socialist Party Executive President Abdul Ali, Democratic Revolutionary Party General Secretary Mushrefa Mishu, Bangladesh Revolutionary Communist League General Secretary Iqbal Kabir Zahid, Presidium member Professor Abdus Sattar and BASD (Marxist) Coordinator Masud Rana.
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BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was also present at the meeting.
Earlier, on November 29, nine left-leaning progressive political parties formed the Democratic United Front with Bangladesh JASAD ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.
After the meeting, BASD General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz told reporters that they primarily visited Tarique Rahman to convey their sympathy to him and his family over the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
“He had been staying abroad for a long time and returned to the country recently. After returning, he lost his mother. We expressed our sympathy and solidarity with the bereaved family and the party,” he said.
Apart from this, Firoz said they also discussed various political issues, including the overall political situation, law and order, the upcoming election, and the rise of fundamentalist and communal forces.
‘1971 is our foundation’
Bazlur Rashid said Tarique Rahman told them that the Liberation War of 1971 is the foundation of Bangladesh.
“He (Tarique) told us that after returning to the country on December 25, he made it clear in his speeches that the Liberation War of 1971 is our foundation. Without the Liberation War, Bangladesh would not exist. Therefore, we must move forward while upholding the aspirations of the mass uprisings of 1990 and 2024,” the BASD leader said.
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He said the BNP Acting Chairman also told them that Bangladesh belongs to everyone, including believers, non-believers, and sceptics, and that the country must move forward through the united efforts of all.
“Tarique Rahman said they have a plan to build a liberal, democratic and welfare-oriented state and want to work in that direction, learning from the past. The people will remain at the centre of their politics, and the goal is not only to make plans but also to implement them so that people can benefit and enjoy the facilities,” Bazlur Rashid said.
He said Tarique also told them that opposition parties would exist and differences of opinion would remain. “He said there may be disagreements on many issues, but on national matters and issues affecting the people, there should be dialogue.”
The BASD leader also said Tarique will welcome advice from time to time and accept it where appropriate, emphasising the need to create a cordial and respectful political environment in the country.
He said the Democratic United Front stressed the importance of building a political culture based on tolerance, acceptance of different views, and philosophical tolerance, which are essential for democracy, along with free, fair, and democratic elections.
Bazlur Rashid said they focused on ensuring that forces opposed to the Liberation War of 1971 and anti-independence elements do not gain space in politics.
Regarding Jamaat-e-Islami’s recent statements on a national government, he said Tarique Rahman clarified that no such discussion took place with them.
“He said that on matters of national interest, independence, and sovereignty, unity is necessary, even if there are differences in views and political paths,” the BASD leader said.
‘Criticism will remain’
Bazlur Rashid said the Democratic United Front leaders told Tarique that if BNP comes to power in the future, they may be among the strongest critics of it.
“He (Tarique) said criticism is essential for democracy. Without criticism, democracy cannot function. There will be both criticism and dialogue, and such discussions should continue with everyone,” he said.
The BASD leader said the BNP Acting Chairman expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with the left alliance leaders in the future.
Earlier, leaders of the Democratic United Front signed the condolence book opened at the office, paying their tributes to the late Begum Khaleda Zia.
Later, a four-member delegation of Ganosamhati Andolan, led by its chief coordinator Zonayed Saki, also met Tarique Rahman and discussed various issues related to politics and the upcoming national election.