A BNP delegation is all set to meet Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday to deliver a ‘strong message’ that the party will not accept any attempt to delay the national election beyond December this year. Talking to UNB, BNP senior leaders said the party will also urge the Chief Adviser to issue a clear statement regarding the election timeline, urging an end to the ongoing December-June uncertainty. They said their party will provide reasons and logical justifications for their demand to hold the national election within this year, particularly by December. BNP leaders said their party will also call upon the head of the interim government to take necessary steps to complete the reform process by the coming June in order to dispel public concerns over a possible attempt to delay the election under the pretext of state restructuring. They said if their demand is met and a clear commitment is given, the party will shift its focus to election preparations and devising strategies to win over voters. If no consensus is reached during the meeting, BNP leaders indicated that they would launch a movement demanding the restoration of democracy and holding the national election within this year. Party insiders said the BNP has outlined a series of peaceful programmes over the next three months as part of its organisational preparations for the 13th national election, expected in December. These programmes may include rallies, marches and processions, beginning at the grassroots level and expanding nationwide with large public gatherings. The plan was initially worked out in a recent meeting of the party's organisational secretaries and has been informally communicated to the top leadership. “If BNP does not receive a clear message on the election timeline in the meeting with the Chief Adviser, the party may begin implementing these programmes by the end of this month. According to the schedule, a BNP standing committee member, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will meet the Chief Adviser at his official residence and state Guest House, Jamuna, at 12pm. A BNP standing committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, has expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing campaign aimed at postponing the national election and keeping the current interim government in power for five years. BNP’s Salahuddin calls for preservation of Pahela Baishakh as national cultural heritage He said whenever BNP demands a clear electoral roadmap from the Chief Adviser, various advisers issue conflicting statements to divert attention from the issue. As an example, he said, the Home Affairs Adviser recently claimed that the public wants the interim government to remain for five years, while Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter went so far as to say this government was ‘elected’ by people through a mass uprising. The BNP leader said during the last meeting with their party, the Chief Adviser had promised that his government’s actions would be directed towards holding the national election by December 2025. “But he is still wavering between December and June. We’re witnessing coordinated efforts, especially on social media, to justify a delay. That’s why we’re meeting the Chief Adviser again to clear up our doubts and confusion.” Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas alleged an attempt to prolong the election is visible. “There are people openly talking about keeping Dr Yunus in power for five years. But those trying to do that will not only damage his reputation but also cause serious harm to the country.” Abbas said he still believes Dr Yunus is committed to holding elections by December. “But, some Awami elements surrounding him are trying to mislead him. That’s our concern going into this meeting.” Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, another standing committee member, said BNP is still cooperating fully with the interim government. “We do not want to create any trouble. Our goal is to convince the government to hold the election without unnecessary delay. If our demand is met, there will be no conflict. But if the government goes in the opposite direction, we too may take a different stance.” BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said their party will use the meeting to clarify the government's intentions. “We’ll remind the Chief Adviser of his promise to hold elections by December and urge him to publicly confirm it through a press conference. We’ll also ask him to direct the Election Commission to complete all necessary preparations accordingly.” He said BNP is committed to reforms and has already put forward a 31-point state-reform framework well before the formation of the current government. “We won’t allow anyone to push their own agenda in the name of reforms.” Asked about their next steps, Salahuddin said the party will decide on its future course of action based on the outcome of the meeting with the Chief Adviser.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday alleged that the people of Bangladesh are being systematically denied their voting rights as happened during the dictatorship. Speaking at an event in Belkuchi, Sirajganj, where BNP distributed Eid relief among the destitute, Rizvi said, “Just as under past autocratic regimes, people today are being kept away from voting.” He recalled Bangladesh’s history of student-led movements for democracy, saying, “Student-people movements had overthrown dictators before through struggles to protect democracy.” Rizvi emphasised that political reforms should be a continuous process driven by an elected government in parliament. He alleged that the SP and OC of Comilla are now acting at the behest of an influential advisor to the interim government. Rizvi claimed that the leaders of BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal are being arrested and harassed ahead of Eid. “This government claims to be neutral, yet under its orders, BNP leaders and activists are being arrested and sent to prison,” the BNP leader said. Criticising former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he alleged that she fled the country out of fear during the Moinuddin-Fakhruddin administration and after 1975. “If you (Hasina) were truly courageous, you would have returned to the country immediately after your family was assassinated. Instead, you only returned when you were assured of safety,” he claimed. Interim govt advisers trying to divide anti-fascist movement: Rizvi Rizvi also alleged that Hasina had negotiated with the Moinuddin-Fakhruddin administration to remove BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia from the country, but the plan failed. “Begum Zia’s leadership emerged from the grassroots, and she has never abandoned people or the country. Despite enduring false cases, imprisonment and repression by the Awami League government, she continues to fight for democracy,” he added. During the programme, Rizvi handed over donation cheques on behalf of BNP to two martyred families of Belkuchi. Under the direction of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Eid relief was distributed among 5,000 destitute people. BNP’s Rajshahi Divisional Joint Organising Secretary Amirul Islam Khan Alim, former Belkuchi Upazila BNP President Jamal Bhuiyan, and former convener Nurul Islam Golam were among those present at the event.

Although the interim government has already released the national election roadmap, BNP may be pressing for a specific election date, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Saturday. He made the remark while responding to a question at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. When asked about BNP’s demand for the election roadmap to be announced within this month, Shafiqul Alam said, "We have already clarified that the roadmap has been provided. BNP may now be seeking a precise date. We have stated that if political parties agree to proceed with minimal reforms, the election can be held within December this year." Starlink's entry ensures uninterrupted internet in Bangladesh: CA’s Press Secretary He further explained, "If the parties prefer elections after implementing additional reforms, there could be a delay of up to three months. However, after April, the Kalbaishakhi (nor’wester) and monsoon rains set in, making election logistics more challenging." About beginning dialogues between the National Consensus Commission and political parties, the Press Secretary said, "We are hopeful that discussions will begin very soon." Security Measures During Ramadan Addressing security concerns, including a rise in muggings and counterfeit currency circulation during Ramadan, Shafiqul Alam outlined special measures for public safety. "Multiple checkpoints have been set up across various locations, and motorcycles have been provided to police and other forces to enhance patrol efficiency. Nationwide patrolling has been intensified," he said. He added that the Home Affairs Adviser, Home Secretary, Police Chief, and DMP Chief are visiting different areas and engaging with stakeholders. "We believe you will witness further improvements in law and order during Ramadan," he assured. Resignation of Shilpakala DG Commenting on the resignation of Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of the Shilpakala Academy, Shafiqul Alam said, "The Cultural Adviser has already addressed the matter on his Facebook page. This was a personal decision by the Director General, and I have no further comments. He served with us for six months, which we consider an honour. He is a distinguished playwright and a leading figure in Bangladesh’s theatre scene. We hope he will continue to enrich the country’s cultural landscape." Govt focused on price stability, essential commodity supply: Shafiqul Alam

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to run the government with a strong hand and proceed towards holding the national election soon, maintaining neutrality. “I would like to call upon the chief of the interim government to lead your government with a strong hand. Let no one get scope to say that you are exhibiting any favoritism,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul made this call while addressing a discussion over BDR carnage, arranged by BNP, at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in the city in memory of the martyred army officers who were killed in the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy. He said they do not want to hear such words about him because he is a very famous person throughout the world. “We hope that you will proceed towards the election by maintaining complete impartiality, completing the minimum necessary reforms as soon as possible,” said the BNP secretary general. He said they expect from Prof Yunus that he would hold a free and fair election to bring stability and peace in the country and also prosperity for the future Bangladesh. Following the ouster of fascist Hasina through the student-people mass uprising, a new opportunity has been created to build a new Bangladesh as a democratic and prosperous state, but now conspiracies continue to destroy that opportunity again, he said. Fakhrul alleged that Sheikh Hasina, staying in India, is planning and conspiring to thwart all the achievements of this mass uprising and victory as well to create anarchy and an unstable situation in Bangladesh. “As part of her conspiracy, an unstable situation is being created in different ways from various parts,” he said. Hasina spearheaded Pilkhana carnage for two days: Fakhrul He said the interim government that came through the student-people revolution was formed on the basis of the blood sacrifices from some 2000 students and people. So, everyone hopes that this government will fulfill the expectations of people, he said. Fakhrul said his party has repeatedly said a stable situation will not be achieved unless a democratic system is established in the country. “That is why we have been saying from the beginning that one thing - a people's government must be established in the country through a truly impartial election,” he said. But now, there are attempts to take the country towards anarchy by raising various questions about this point (election), he said. The BNP leader said now some quarters are trying to unfairly make the country unstable and the people of the country agitated as well as trying to bring everyone to the streets in various ways. “In the same way, they are trying to create anarchy in the country. This is not good for the independence and democracy of Bangladesh at all. This is not good for the stability of Bangladesh at all,” he said. Fakhrul urged the people of the country to stay united by stopping mudslinging and debate and controversy to reach a democratic system. BNP Does Want Reform The BNP secretary general said many people are now criticising his party and trying to say that the BNP is pressing for only the election but doesn’t want reform. The critics are spreading such big lies and false propaganda against BNP in various ways particularly on social media, he said. “A few persons, a handful of men, have targeted the BNP. They want to humiliate the BNP by resorting to negative campaigns and propaganda (against the party),” said Mirza Fakhrul. He said BNP is a party that protected the country’s independence and sovereignty in the past and will do so now as well. About the Pilkhana carnage, the BNP leader said 57 brilliant army officers were killed in a well-planned manner. So many army officers had not been killed even in the Liberation War, he said. “So, come forward to take a vow that we’ll protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh at any cost, ensure stability and restore democracy in Bangladesh,” he added. BNP standing committee member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presided over the event, while BNP standing committee member Selima Rahman, BNP Chairperson's advisory council member Abdus Salam, RAB-2 Commander during the BDR mutiny Lt Col (Retd) Shamsuzzaman Khan and Major General Shakil Ahmed’s son Rakin Ahmed, also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, a documentary about the 2009 BDR mutiny was screened at the event. 

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday reaffirmed the need for an early national election to restore stability, implement reforms and resolve the pressing challenges facing the nation. “It surely needs to restore stability soon in the country…we think it will be possible to gradually bring the country back from the brink of destruction as soon as it is possible to restore a stable situation in the country,” he said. Tarique said this while addressing a training workshop titled ‘31-point proposal to repair the state structures and public engagement’ arranged by Dhaka Bar Unit of Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum at Dhaka Bar Lawyers Association Auditorium in the city. He said some people questioned whether an election will solve all problems. “In this regard, we can think that since a stable situation will return after the election and reform works will gradually begin, the severity or intensity of the problems will gradually begin to ease,” he added. Pointing to those who demand and argue for holding the local government elections first before the national election, he asked them to consider the present reality as instability is everywhere in the country. “If we look around, we can see instability. There is instability everywhere,” said the BNP acting chairman. He said the main responsibility of this interim government is to help the people of the country make their decisions, to make arrangements for it, to help them make political decisions. “This should be their main goal,” he added. Unity must to protect Bangladesh, its people: Tarique Tarique Rahman said the government is deviating from its goal to some extent, which is reflected in different talks and remarks of the government’s different persons. “They are probably deviating from their goal to some extent in some cases. Confusion is being created from the various statements of different persons. Confusion is being created in different areas. Naturally, when there is instability in politics, confusion will be created,” he said. “If we cannot ensure political stability, then no matter how many reforms we announce, no matter how many policies we adopt - none of them will be successful,” he added. The BNP leader said the main goal of the interim government and everyone should be to restore a stable situation as soon as possible in the country. The longer we delay in making the parliament functional, the restlessness, debate and controversy will spread, which ultimately causes instability everywhere including the economy and society as well as brings harm to the country as a whole. About the 31-point reform proposal, Tarique said it is a sacred responsibility for BNP to bring reform in the state structures as the party placed the (31-point) reform proposal first before the country and its people this time. He said the 31-point reform proposal is not much different from what reform proposals this interim government placed. “Since we, BNP, raised this reform proposal first, made the commitment to the people of Bangladesh, to make it successful or to fulfill this promise in a phased manner. This is our sacred responsibility. If this sacred responsibility has to be fulfilled in a phased manner in terms of reality, of course, we need a parliament,” he said. The BNP acting chairman said there should be an election where the people of Bangladesh will be able to give their true judgment. And a parliament should be formed on the basis of the results of a transparent and neutral election. “If so, that parliament will be able to turn reforms into reality,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday expressed concerns that doubts are growing among people regarding the interim government's sincerity in holding the national election without unnecessary delays. Speaking at a discussion organised by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the capital, he also alleged that the students who once led the movement against the Awami League regime now appear to be giving space to fascists in order to protect their own interests. “We’re observing that the interim government, which we supported, was attempting to move towards the election after completing certain tasks. However, in the meantime, doubts have arisen among the people regarding whether they are serious about holding the election at all,” Fakhrul said. He said there are valid concerns, including various comments made by advisers, which have contributed to the growing suspicion about the intentions of the interim administration. Shibir president urges Chhatra Dal to rethink about political approach JCD organised a discussion titled “The New Style of Student Politics in Post-Mass Uprising Bangladesh, on the occasion of launching the distribution of membership forms and the renewal of membership for its Dhaka city units. Fakhrul criticised LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan for his comment—that Awami League members could participate in elections after apologising to the public—saying that the nation would not accept this. “This proves that they now want to give space to the fascists for their own interests... This is very dangerous. Does this mean we should believe they are using various strategies to organise their party by remaining in the government?” he said. The BNP leader said they would not allow students who were involved in the mass uprising to now form a political party with such strategies. He said the people of the country would not tolerate the implementation of any such malicious tactics. Release Azharul Islam: Jamaat Ameer Fakhrul said the BNP would welcome the formation of any new political party, as they had already supported the new student organisation. “We will welcome it when you form a party. But it does not mean you can form a party by staying in power and availing all state facilities. That will never be accepted,” he said. The BNP leader once again urged the head of the interim government to immediately address these issues and take appropriate action. “Otherwise, the trust that the people have in you will no longer exist,” he warned. Fakhrul reiterated his earlier statement that if the current interim government lost its neutrality, another neutral government would be required. “Now it has been proven why I said that.” Stating that BNP was the worst victim of the 1/11 political changeover in 2007, he warned that the people of the country would never accept any attempt to recreate another ‘1/11’ or to undermine democracy by imposing a one-party or fascist rule. The BNP leader emphasised the importance of intellectual development for JCD leaders and activists, saying that strengthening the organisation requires a focus on knowledge and academic growth. BNP won’t accept local polls ahead of national election: Fakhrul Recalling his own experiences in student politics during the 1960s, when study groups were established to promote learning and advancement was based on knowledge, Fakhrul advocated for introducing such a culture within the student wing to strengthen the organisation. He said patience, tolerance and intellectual development are crucial for navigating the country's current critical situation. The BNP leader also urged JCD leaders and workers to engage in cyber warfare and social media. "Utilise your mobile phones effectively to fight in the digital space. If you succeed in this cyber battle, no one will be able to resist your victory," he said. He also said the people of the country want to return to a democratic environment, but this goal has yet to be achieved, even after seven months since the ouster of the fascist regime. Addressing the programme, JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib said over a hundred leaders and activists from their organisation were killed during the July-August mass uprising. Besides, he said, many JCD leaders and activists had been subjected to killing, enforced disappearance and repression and suppression over the past 16 years. He claimed that a certain group has been conspiring in various ways, including conducting negative campaigns against the JCD on social media, in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the popular student organisation. Rakib expressed his regret over the clashes at the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) and called for a thorough investigation into the incident to bring the perpetrators to justice. He alleged that the attack on JCD members at the Kuet campus was incited by the leaders of a secret organisation using the banner of the Anti-Defamation Student platform. The JCD leader said there should be no mob culture or underground student politics on campuses. He, however, said they still wish to maintain unity among students frogged during the mass uprising, aiming to initiate a new form of student politics that would play a positive role in the nation's development.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday warned that BNP would not accept local government polls ahead of the national election. “The collaborators of fascist Hasina would raise their ugly heads if the local elections are held first, which the people of the country would not accept,” said Fakhrul while addressing a rally at the Town Hall ground in Jashore, organised by the district BNP to press home their various demands, including bringing down the prices of essentials to a tolerable level. They also demanded improvement in the deteriorating law-and-order situation, quick announcement of the election roadmap and prevention of conspiracies to reestablish fascism. Fakhrul urged the interim government advisers to resign if they want to stay in power and then contest the elections. “If you want to stay in power, step down first and then contest the election. (You) form a new party outside the government—we have no objection. But any such activity while remaining in power will not be tolerated,” he said. The BNP leader pledged that if his party comes to power, it will reopen closed factories in Jashore’s Noapara and ensure a permanent solution to waterlogging in Bhabadaha. “Fascist Hasina tried many times to break the BNP but failed. BNP is a party of people, and we have fought alongside people against fascism for the last 17 years. The mass uprising on August 5 was the ultimate victory,” Fakhrul said. BNP picks Parliament’s LD Hall as venue for extended meeting He said the government’s current talks for reforms are nothing new as BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had proposed similar reforms in 2016. “Implement the necessary reforms for holding polls and hold the national election without delay. We are hopeful that the Yunus government will do so soon,” he added. Expressing concern over rising prices of essentials, Fakhrul said, “I wish I could say we are all doing well, but we are not. The prices of rice, lentils, oil, salt and other daily essentials have skyrocketed. Law and order have deteriorated.” “Even though fascist Hasina has fled, we are still not safe. Under her regime, 6 lakh BNP leaders and activists faced cases, several thousand were killed, and over 700 were victims of enforced disappearance. At least 84 BNP leaders and activists from Jashore were killed. Hasina’s regime created torture cells to detain and kill our leaders and activists,” he said. “The July revolution aimed to establish a democratic state, restore voting rights, and ensure a truly democratic Bangladesh. Yet, 54 years after independence that dream remains unfulfilled,” he said. The rally was presided over by Jashore district BNP convener Prof Nargis Begum. BNP Khulna divisional acting organisational secretary Anindya Islam Amit, assistant religious affairs secretary Amlendu Das Apu, assistant health affairs secretary Jahanara Siddiqui, former office secretary Mofiqul Hasan Tripti were, among others, present.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said that the initiative of state reforms will not succeed until people’s direct representatives are given the responsibility to govern the country. “Those who believe reforms should come before the election must understand that for those reforms to be successful, people who are truly connected to the masses are needed. Without them, no reforms will be possible,” he said, virtually joining a programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB). He also warned that any delay in the election would only deepen the conspiracy against both the country and the government. ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ organised the programme for providing financial assistance to photojournalists who were injured during the July-August mass uprising against the Awami League regime. Tarique said it was the politicians, not anyone else, who presented the reform proposals to the nation over two years ago. “If real reforms are to be made in this country, they must be carried out by real politicians,” the BNP leader observed. He said politicians must seek suggestions and opinions from professionals, intellectuals and members of civil society to effectively run the state. “Based on those suggestions, we will gradually move the country forward. But until the direct representatives of people are entrusted with the responsibility of running the country, no reform will be fully implemented in any way,” he said. Tarique also said those who have a direct connection to people can understand their desires and move the country forward in line with people's wishes. He said the country’s people want Bangladesh to be built by ensuring their basic rights and economic freedom. Tarique said political freedom is essential for economic freedom and for building a discrimination-free Bangladesh. “To achieve this, voting rights and the guarantee to exercise the right to franchise must be ensured.” The BNP leader said it will not be possible to secure the country’s independence and democracy overnight without ensuring people’s political and economic rights. Tarique said the participation of people is essential to build a democratic Bangladesh free from discrimination. “The country must be run based on public opinion.” As their party presented its reform proposals to the nation, he said other political parties can also present their proposals for people’s consideration. Fakhrul urges India to resolve Teesta issue, end border killings, 'big brotherly' attitude "People will decide whom they will entrust with the responsibility of running the country. Therefore, the longer this issue (election) is delayed, we believe, in various ways, the problem will increase the greater way-- not to decrease," the BNP leader said. He said the sooner the rights of people and their ownership of the country are restored, the quicker it will be possible to pull the country back from the brink of destruction. "One thing that everyone has mentioned here is that the longer the election is delayed, the more conspiracies will grow in different ways…already various such kinds of talks are slowly spreading," Tarique said. He said those who have fled this country had looted a huge amount of people's money and wealth. “They will certainly spend that wealth on these conspiracies. So, if we are to bring the country back to a stable situation, if we are to keep the country united, then the responsibility must definitely be handed back to the people." The BNP leader said their party has always believed that the real owners of this country are the people of Bangladesh. "So, people have the sole right to decide what will happen with this country. Democracy, as understood all over the world, is about elections... It is through elections that people express their opinions... whether it is at the union council level or any other level… people express their opinions through elections," he observed. Tarique reminded that their party along with other democratic and like-minded parties had presented the 31-point reform proposal to overhaul the state two and a half years ago. The BNP leader explained that they recognised the need for a proper guideline and strategy to rebuild the country and restore its destroyed institutions. “That’s why we presented the 31-point state rebuilding proposal. In their 31-point proposal, he said, they also outlined plans to address the daily problems faced by the people of the country, alongside overhauling the state. Tarique Rahman said around 80 photojournalists were injured and repressed during the July-August mass movement. The BNP leader assured them that they would stand by the injured journalists to the best of their ability.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday urged the government to arrange the national election soon to thwart Sheikh Hasina’s “dangerous plan”. “Sheikh Hasina is lurking with a dangerous plan. The national election must be held soon to thwart this conspiracy," he said. Rizvi said this after paying tribute to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath at his grave along with party leaders and activists from various districts. Claiming that the Yunus government is delaying the election, he said the nation is eagerly waiting for a free, fair, and neutral election. BNP’s Rizvi fears for the future of centrist politics The BNP leader said the demand for holding local government elections before the national election is an ill-motive behaviour from several political parties. He said the government must be given a final deadline for elections to restore democracy for which so many lives were lost. Rizvi said the necessary reforms should be completed quickly before the election.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed the hope that political parties will reach a ‘minimum consensus’ on state reforms through talks to facilitate the quick holding of the national election. “There will be discussions on the reports provided by the reform commissions. The political parties will engage in talks with the commissions, and efforts will be made to reach a consensus,” he said. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the National Consensus Commission, the BNP leader said political parties participated in initial discussions with the Consensus Commission. “Different political parties made various remarks there.” "We (BNP) hope that a minimum consensus on this reform will be reached very soon and that the national elections will be held very soon based on that. This is our expectation,” he said. Fakhrul said the chief adviser, along with the National Consensus Commission, held the first meeting with the political parties on Saturday and he talked about the necessity and importance of reforms. “In the meeting, he mentioned that political parties will discuss each of the reports submitted by the reform commissions in the coming days,” the BNP leader said. Govt enters second phase as national consensus talks begin: Press Secretary In response to a question, the BNP leader reiterated that they have already made it clear that the national parliamentary election must be held first, and then the local government elections will be held. He, however, said they did not engage in any in-depth discussion about the elections during the meeting. "There was only a preliminary discussion today (Saturday)... You could say the discussion was introductory. Different political parties expressed different views, and that reflected their own opinions," Fakhrul said. He also said there was no positive, constructive discussion in the meeting due to the lack of scope. Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said they told the meeting that reforms are necessary and should be implemented first before holding the election. "The chief advisor mentioned that the national elections will be held by December. We are observing how this progresses," he said. The Jamaat leader said the members of the National Consensus Commission will hold separate discussions with different parties and stakeholders to implement the reforms. “Jamaat-e-Islami will welcome all positive decisions…we have stated that the election will be held as soon as possible after the final decisions of the reform commission are made,” he said. Amar Bangladesh Party (AB) Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju said they informed the meeting that the government's authority in the administration has not yet been clearly established. Political parties, National Consensus Commission to set Bangladesh's vision: Press Secretary In such a situation, he warned, organising any election would be dangerous. Meeting sources said some political parties, mainly the Islamist ones, emphasised the need holding the local body elections before the national election, but the majority of others opposed this proposal. Earlier, major political parties, including the BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, had begun their meeting with the National Consensus Commission, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, on Saturday. The meeting began at 3 pm at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. This was the first meeting between political parties and the commission. Delegations from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, LDP, Jatiya Party (Kazi Jafar), Nagorik Oikya, Islami Andolan, Khilafat Majlish, Ganosamhati Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gonoforum, Biplobi Workers Party, Jagpa, NPP, Labour Party, BJP Bangladesh JSD and Jatiya Nagorik Committee participated in the meeting. Around 100 politicians from 26 parties and alliances attended the meeting, with all invitees present. A six-member BNP delegation, led by Fakhrul, attended the meeting. The other BNP delegation members were Jamiruddin Sircar, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. BNP, Jamaat, others start meeting with National Consensus Commission A seven-member 'National Consensus Commission' was formed on February 12 under the leadership of the Chief Advisor. This was the first meeting of the commission. Meanwhile, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the interim government has entered its second phase with the start of the National Consensus Commission's meeting with political parties to discuss the future direction of the country, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking to reporters outside the Foreign Service Academy during the Asr prayer break on Saturday, he said, “Today is a historic day as the meeting of political parties with the National Consensus Committee has begun.” He said around 100 politicians from 26 parties and alliances attended the meeting, with all invitees present. During the meeting, the Chief Adviser said that the first phase of the government concluded after six months, and the second phase has now started.  The government is working towards building a Bangladesh that enjoys the support of the international community, major global nations, the people of the country and even the full backing of the United Nations, Shafiqul Alam said. The Chief Adviser also highlighted the findings of the UN Human Rights Commission’s report on the July mass uprising, which revealed the horrific killings that occurred and identified those responsible. The report, he stated, also exposed the human rights violations that took place at that time. “The second journey of the government has begun today through this meeting and it will be decided through this meeting what kind of Bangladesh we want in the future,” the Press Secretary said.