Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is holding talks with the political parties as he seeks national unity. Representatives from various political parties including BNP and Jamaat -e-Islami are taking part in the talks at the Foreign Service Academy that began after 4pm on Wednesday. National Unity: Chief Adviser to hold talks with political, religious leaders Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Moyeen Khan, Syed Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and AZM Zahid Hossain are among the BNP leaders. Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, Gono Samhangti's Jonayed Saki, Nagorik Oikya's Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and Gono Odhikar Parishad's Nurul Haque Nur and Rashed Khan are also joining the meeting. The meeting with religious leaders will be held on Thursday, but the time has not been decided yet. BNP urges Chief Adviser to foster national unity to resolve issues CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the Chief adviser will call for national unity at the meetings. Prof Yunus held a meeting with student leaders on Tuesday evening. “Prof Yunus called the students to help rebuild the nation,” Alam told UNB after the meeting.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General, Professor Mia Golam Parwar, has said that his party is not in favor of banning any political organization, including its rivals. Speaking at a member (Rukon) conference at Dr. Shaheed Samnuzzhoha Park in Meherpur on Friday, he reiterated that Jamaat believes in the democratic process and dialogue with all political parties, including the BNP and Islamic parties. Commenting on the issue of banning political organizations, Parwar mentioned that Jamaat was banned four days before August 5. However, the Awami League and Chhatra League couldn’t survive even four days after that. Due to widespread public outrage, Sheikh Hasina and her family were forced to flee the country. He remarked, "The people will decide whether Awami League can contest the elections." He also said that Sheikh Hasina will be brought to justice through legal process and punishment will be implemented. Parwar said that elections should be held at a reasonable time after national reforms. He believes that elections can only be held once an environment for fair elections is created, following reforms of the Election Commission, police administration, and the executive department. Among others, Jamaat Central Council Member Mubarak Hossain, District Ameer Maulana Tajuddin Khan, several central and district-level leaders, were also present.  

More than 15 people were injured in a clash between activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP over the vacant acting chairman position of Mohdipur Union Parishad on Wednesday in the Palashbari area of the district. Zulfikar Ali Bhattu, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Palashbari Police Station, said that the chairman's post in Mohdipur Union Parishad had been vacant for a long time. Tensions escalated when political differences between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami flared up. Earlier in the day, Palashbari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kamrul Islam held a meeting with Mohdipur UP members in his office to discuss the issue, with leaders and activists from both BNP and Jamaat in attendance. The situation took a violent turn when an argument over who would assume the acting chairman position escalated into a clash, leaving at least 15 people injured. The UNO also mentioned hearing the sound of several cocktail explosions during the altercation. The injured individuals are receiving treatment at various hospitals in the district. Local residents reported that the clash caused multiple chases and counter-chases between the two parties, leading to traffic disruptions on the Dhaka-Rangpur Highway. To prevent further violence, additional police forces have been deployed to the area. Md Mosharraf Hossain, the Superintendent of Gaibandha Police, confirmed that army patrols have also been increased in Palashbari to help control the situation.

Just two months into the interim government, various discussions on electoral reforms, timelines and systems are gaining momentum, yet the voices and preferences of people seem to be lost in the noise. While one faction advocates for a parliamentary election, others are calling for a proportional representation system. The real question is: which form of government and electoral process best suits Bangladesh? A large segment of political parties is advocating for national elections to be held using a proportional representation (PR) system instead of the existing method. But the BNP, one of the major parties, opposes this approach and supports the current system. However, the Awami League's position in the evolving political landscape remains unclear. But election experts think neither the government, nor the political parties and voters are prepared for its introduction in the next polls. They say that while the PR system offers many potential benefits, its feasibility depends on strong political will, public support and the readiness of both political actors and the electorate to transition from the current first-past-the-post (FPTP) system. The experts suggest that the PR system could be incorporated into the constitution as a directive for future implementation, as it may help create a more vibrant parliament with diverse viewpoints, reduce the influence of money and muscle in elections, and prevent autocracy and fascism. PR, or proportional representation, is an electoral system where the distribution of seats aligns with the proportion of total votes each party receives. For instance, if a party gets 40 percent of the total votes, the PR system would allocate 40 percent of the seats for it in parliament. “PR is a good election system. I support it and I have even written a book on why it’s necessary for Bangladesh. However, we won’t be able to implement it in the next national election because we’re not ready. Our government, political parties and voters are unprepared for it,” said renowned election expert Dr Tofail Ahmed. Read more: Bangladesh needs election-time neutral govt for fair polls: Speakers  He noted that around 70 to 80 countries currently practise some form of proportional representation system worldwide. “It’s encouraging that political parties are advocating for the introduction of the system. However, our voters lack knowledge about it. We must first educate them, and this process will take time to ensure people understand it,” he said. Besides, the election expert said the PR system encompasses various forms and definitions, reflecting different approaches to achieving proportionality in electoral outcomes. “We need a political consensus on which one we will adopt.” He said that a significant barrier to implementing this system is that major parties may not accept it, as it could disrupt their dominant power and make it more difficult for them to secure a majority. “The BNP and Awami League are our two main parties, sharing the support of the majority of voters in the country. The BNP is opposing this system, and we aren’t hearing the views from the Awami League due to the current political situation. I believe they may also not support it. Even if Jamaat had a larger voter base, they likely would not back it either,” Tofail said. He stated that smaller parties are in favour of the PR system, as it would provide them with the opportunity to secure seats that they might not obtain under the existing system. “So, implementation of this system is very challenging. We should give the political parties time to understand the PR process and its benefits. It won’t be wise to impose by the interim government without political consensus,” Tofail observed. He said the reform commission on the constitution can propose incorporating a guideline in the national charter for the introduction of the system and its implementation in phases. The election expert pointed out that the BNP is discussing a bicameral parliament and a national government, which could ensure the participation of people from diverse backgrounds in governance, creating a balance of power and facilitating lawmaking. “We should now focus on these two issues alongside the restoration of the caretaker government.” BNP seeks election roadmap, new EC based on political consensus Chairman of the Jatiya Nirbachon Parjabekkhon Parishad-Janipop, Prof Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, said the PR system exists in various forms in about 80 countries worldwide, and he has been advocating for its implementation since the 1990s. He emphasised that it is crucial to convince the major political parties about the PR system. “Otherwise, it won’t be possible to introduce this system in the future.” Former bureaucrat Abu Alam Md Shahid Khan proposed a mixed electoral system that combines proportional representation (PR) with the existing traditional system by increasing the number of parliamentary constituencies from 300 to 450. “In that case, the current electoral system could apply to 300 constituencies, while the PR system would be used for 150 constituencies,” he explained. On October 9, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami presented a 10-point state reform proposal, including the introduction of the PR system. During a seminar on electoral reform on October 12, Jamaat leader Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Gana Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque, Jatiya Party Presidium member Shameem Haider Patwary, and CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince all advocated for the PR system. Additionally, some Islamic parties, including Islami Andolan Bangladesh, have also called for its introduction. Contacted, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the PR system is not suitable for Bangladesh. “We won’t support it. This method is not practised in Bangladesh, so there is no question of its application in the next election.” Read more: In FB post AL accuse interim govt of protecting the criminals

Speakers at a seminar on Saturday stressed the need for an election-time neutral government system to make general elections fair, neutral and credible until the current political reality is changed. They suggested the reintroduction of the ‘no vote’ system, narrowing the scope of uncontested election, widening the scope for the government employees to play an impartial role during elections and for making them more accountable in the case of irregularities. Jamaat will wait for elections until reforms are completed, says Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman  Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) arranged the seminar titled ‘What Reform to the Electoral System is Desirable?’ at the city’s Cirdap auditorium. Textiles and Jute Adviser and also former election commissioner M Sakhawat Hossain, Chief of Electoral Reform Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, political leaders, student representatives and journalists spoke at the seminar. Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar said the Election Commission, the administration or the government, the political parties, media and civil society are important stakeholders to make an election fair and credible. Democracy is more than elections: Tarique Talking about the role of government, he said there was a caretaker government system, but it was scrapped in a quite unconstitutional and unjust way.   “An election-time neutral government system is needed no matter what we call it – it may be the caretaker government system or another system,” he said. Describing the election as a long-term process, Dr Majumdar said the process started from the preparation of electoral rolls. “This election process must be fair, impartial and credible. Otherwise the elections would be controversial and incredible in many ways if we keep our focus on just the Election Day. So, we need to review the whole process,” he said. Noting that democracy is a basic structure of the constitution, he said if the election does not make democratic system effective, it is a violation of the constitution. “We witnessed this violation in the past,” he said, expressing his optimism that there would be no such violation in the future. A political consensus and change of political culture are required over holding a fair election, he said, adding that the political parties had played the responsible roles during the 1991 general election, which is one of the best elections in Bangladesh. The chief of the Electoral Reform Commission asked the political parties to submit their election-related written proposals to the commission. Adviser Sakhawat Hossain recommended the effectiveness of the Election Commission’s (EC’s) actions against the government employees over election irregularities should be harsher. “If a government employee makes any deviation while working with the Election Commission for 15 days, the report of the Election Commission should be the final report for his or her career,” he said. If they (government employees) can be made accountable in this way, many problems would go, he added. The former election commissioner said the caretaker government won’t be required so much in case of a bicameral parliamentary system. “In that case, the EC will have to be given a kind of authority over the ministries during the elections.” He criticised the RPO amendment that reduced the EC’s authority over cancellation of an entire election.  Sakhawat said proportional representation (PR) can be introduced in the case of the election to 50 women reserve seats. BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon said a caretaker government or election-time government system should be introduced. “I think the caretaker government should be here for 100 years.” He said there should be no provision for uncontested elections. In case of a single candidate against a post, the polls should be rescheduled, he added. The BNP leader said the law regarding appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners undoubtedly needs to be amended. BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal said as per his party's 31-point state reform proposal, if BNP is elected, it would form a national government with representatives of other political parties. “No one shall be the Prime Minister or the President for over two consecutive terms. It is a proposal of the BNP. There should be a balance between the authority of the President and the Prime Minister, which was included in the BNP's reform proposal,” he said. During the election time, no writ petition should be acceptable in any higher court or any other court without taking opinions of the Election Commission, said Moazzem. Jamaat leader Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud said, “The caretaker government system should be reinstated permanently in the constitution.” He suggested EVM or DVM systems should be scrapped as the machines are used as tools to deceive people. The Jamaat leader also recommended making local government elections as non-partisan ones, cancellation of the political party registration system, introduction of PR system and withdrawal of the provision for an independent aspirant to collect the signatures of one percent voters. Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan Zonayed Saki said the next 3-5 general elections should be held under the non-partisan election-time government or the interim government. “The institutions won't be developed or the mindset would be changed immediately after the reform. So, the next 3-5 elections should be under an interim government,” he said. Saki said no hate speech should be allowed in the electoral campaign and the ‘No vote’ system should be reinstated. He said the provisions in the political party registration act should be eased to promote the formation of new political parties. President of Gana Adhikar Parishad Nurul Haque Nur said the local government elections need to be held in non-partisan manner. “A neutral administration and neutral government system will have to be ensured, if you want fair elections in future,” he said, adding that the PR will have to be ensured. Jatiya Party presidium member Shameem Haider Patwary said no more than 10 percent uncontested MPs should not be in an election and the PR system should be introduced. General Secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Ruhin Hossain Prince recommended restoration of election-time government, reinstatement of ‘No vote’ system, introduction of PR system and dissolution of Parliament ahead of election. Journalist Sohrab Hassan said the 15th amendment to the constitution needs to be cancelled first and women representation should be ensured through direct election. Besides, AB Party Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman Manju and Nagorik Committee member and representative of the students Ariful Rahman Adit, and RFED general secretary Humayun Kabir also spoke at the function moderated by RFED president Akramul Hoque Sayem.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said on Saturday that their party proposed two distinct timelines -- one for implementing effective reforms and another for holding elections. “There will be a roadmap on reforms and another roadmap will be on the election. If reforms are successful, elections will also be successful. That’s why we have put emphasis on these two issues. There will be more dialogues with them,” he told reporters after his party’s talks with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.      The Jamaat Ameer urged all to wait as both sides will come up with details soon, adding that they are giving priority to reforms first. Jamaat Amir calls for national unity Regarding Puja celebrations, he said the government needs partnership with people to help the Hindu community celebrate Durga Puja in a festive way. “There will be a need for partnership between the government and people. People’s engagement with the government is required. If the government, people of the country and law enforcement agencies work together, our Hindu brothers and sisters will be able to celebrate the Durga Puja in an unprecedented way,” he said. After BNP's dialogue with the interim government, a seven-member delegation of Jamaat, led by its Ameer held the dialogue with the chief adviser.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister, Obaidul Quader, on Tuesday (July 30, 2024) said that the government will thoroughly examine the legal aspects before banning Jamaat-Shibir to ensure this “extremist group” cannot exploit legal loopholes to engage in politics in Bangladesh. Quader made this statement at a meeting held at Awami League’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital this morning. He also called on the Home Minister to ensure that no innocent person is arrested. Jamaat-e-Islami to be banned by tomorrow: Law Minister “The law enforcement agencies are identifying criminals based on footage. No innocent person is being detained. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed that general students should not be harassed. Yet, BNP Secretary General (Fakhrul) is shamelessly lying, claiming that innocent and helpless students are being detained,” said the Awami League General Secretary. He further said that BNP-Jamaat used students as shields in their movement, adding, “The government is aware of the sources of their instructions, incitements, and funding. There is no longer any opportunity to confuse the nation with nonsense.” The meeting began with prayers and a moment of silence in memory of those killed and injured in the recent violence across the country. Notable attendees at the meeting included Awami League Presidium members Dr. Abdur Razzaq, Advocate Kamrul Islam, Dr. Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Dr. Dipu Moni, and presidents and general secretaries of Dhaka Metropolitan North and South units of Awami League, Dhaka district Awami League, and affiliated organizations. Decision to ban Jamaat-Shibir taken at 14-party alliance meeting: Obaidul Quader

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said that some 1,241 people were sentenced to different terms as trial of 1,967 cases were completed so far filed in connection with the BNP-Jamaat’s subversive activities in between 2012 to 2015. She said this in reply to a question of ruling Awami League MP elected from Madaripur-2 Shajahan Khan during the PM’s question-answer session. Khan wanted to know what measures have been taken against those involved in the subversive activities of the BNP-Jamaat in the name of the so-called democratic movement from 2012 to 2015 and from October 28, 2023 to January 7 this year. The Prime Minister in her reply said a total of 188 people died while 4,973 others were injured in the hands of the BNP-Jamaat’s terrorists during their so-called democratic movement between 2012 and 2015 and from October 28, 2023 to January 7 national election. Biden’s letter to PM Hasina: ‘What will BNP say now?’ asks Quader “A total of 8,105 cases were filed against those involved in these acts of sabotage. Of these, trial of 1,967 cases have been completed and 1,241 people have been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.” The premier also said investigation  is going on regarding the cases filed between October 28, 2023 and January 7 this year. Sheikh Hasina, who is also the leader of the House, said the BNP and its allies have indulged in the evil game of arson-terrorism, killing innocent people and members of the law enforcement agencies through irrational movement in the name of resisting the elections. Terrorism, fraud, anti-national propaganda key elements of BNP's politics: FM In response to a query of AL MP Md Abdullah elected from Laxmipur-4, the Prime Minister said that in the recent times, the BNP-Jamaat and their allies have been trying to disrupt the 12th national elections by destabilising the country in the name of arson attack, hartals and blockades. “They caused huge damage to people's lives and property by setting fire to trains and killing innocent people, uprooting train lines and damaging track plates, vandalising various public and private buildings and vehicles including the Chief Justice's residence and Razarbagh Central Police Hospital.” She said that from October 28, 2023, more than 600 vehicles were vandalised across the country through violent activities. Besides, 328 vehicles including 184 passenger buses, 48 trucks, 28 covered vans, 3 CNGs, 4 private cars, 11 pickups, 5 trains, 15 motorcycles, 3 lagunas, 1 ward councilor office, 1 auto rickshaw, 1 high school, 12 primary schools, 4 homes, 1 Buddhist temple and 1 boat were set on fire. Programmes on streets without permission won’t be allowed: Quader Sheikh Hasina also said many people including drivers, helpers, police, BGB, workers, freedom fighters were killed, injured or crippled during their blockades and hartals. “13 people were killed in those incidents. Among them, nine people were killed in train sabotage.” Pointing that the country has efficient law enforcement agencies, judicial system and existing laws to identify and punish those involved in crimes like arson, vandalism, subversive activities, the Prime Minister said legal process is going on to take proper measures against those involved in subversive activities under the existing law.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also president of the Awami League, today vehemently criticized BNP-Jamaat for inciting a wave of terrorist and militant activities against citizens of the country. This campaign, she asserts, aims to disrupt the upcoming national election scheduled for January 7, 2024. She accused the BNP-Jamaat of acting on directives from London, asserting that the people of Bangladesh would not tolerate such crimes. Asserting the constitutional right of citizens to vote, Sheikh Hasina declared that no one should obstruct or harm others for exercising their voting rights. Her comments came during interaction with reporters following her visit to Hazrat Shahjalal’s shrine in Sylhet. The Prime Minister emphasized that Bangladesh rejects all forms of militant and terrorist acts. She expressed confidence that the people of Bangladesh would eventually reject those responsible for such actions. PM Hasina visits shrines of sufi saints in Sylhet at start of polls campaign Addressing the recent arson attacks on trains, she issued a stern warning to the perpetrators, emphasizing that such criminal acts would be met with decisive action. Sheikh Hasina criticized the BNP-Jamaat clique’s attempts to derail the election and prevent voter participation but noted the public's overwhelming support for the electoral process. “People are not responding to BNP’s strikes. What will they gain through such destructive activities? Rather, people will hate them ultimately,” she said. Highlighting her party’s past successes, she recounted the Awami League’s election victories in 2009, 2014, and 2018, attributing them to the party’s commitment to meeting the people’s basic needs. “Rest of the needs will be fulfilled Inshallah, if in the January 7 election people of Bangladesh cast their votes for the ‘boat’ symbol, and if we can from the government again. We will ensure a developed and prosperous Bangladesh. And no one will be without an address, home, and land,” she said. Sheikh Hasina also touched on her government’s goal of bringing happiness to the impoverished, in line with the vision of the Father of the Nation, and mentioned the country’s recent elevation to developing nation status. PM Hasina condoles loss of lives in China earthquake Regarding BNP’s decision to abstain from the election, she questioned the necessity of resorting to violent tactics like arson attacks, which she labeled as “terrorist and militant activities.” She condemned the BNP-Jamaat alliance’s history of violence, including recent attacks on civilians, police, and journalists. Emphasizing the democratic process within the Awami League, she stated that the party allows all members to participate in elections, leaving the choice of MPs to the electorate. She emotionally condemned the tragic deaths of a mother and child in yesterday’s arson attack on a train in Dhaka, questioning the morality of such violence. “There is nothing more painful... How can a human being do this to another?” AL upbeat as PM Hasina to launch election campaign from Sylhet Wednesday She reiterated her stance against fear tactics used to disrupt elections, referring to similar unsuccessful attempts in 2013 and 2014.

At least 10 people including policemen and journalists were injured in a clash between BNP activists and law enforcers during picketing amid the 48-hour hartal being observed by the party and like-minded opposition parties. Locals said that BNP activists brought out a procession in favour of the hartal in Puratan Bus Stand area around 11 am and vandalised some vehicles, causing panic on the streets. Also read: 11 arson attacks reported in 15 hours: Fire Service A clash broke out when police barred the BNP men from marching forward, they said. At one stage of the altercation, the picketers hurled brickbats targeting the law enforcers who retaliated with tear gas shells, they said. Rajan Kumar Das, additional superintendent of district police, said they used tear shells and opened blank fire to control the situation. Also read: Jamaat’s registration to remain cancelled: SC dismisses party’s appeal Ten people, including three policemen, were injured in the clash, he said, adding that the situation is now under their control. Local BNP leaders could not be reached over the phone for comments in this connection. Also read: RAB arrests 4, including Sramik Dal leader, from Dhaka's Jatrabari in sabotage case