Political leaders share insights after meeting with UN chief

Political leaders from various parties in Bangladesh met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday afternoon at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka.  

The meeting was attended by BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary-General Mia Golam Parwar and Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Taher, Nagorik Oikya’s Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Ganosamhati Andolon’s Zonayed Saki, CPB’s Ruhin Hossain Prince, NCP’s Nahid Islam, and AB Party’s Asaduzzaman Fuad, among others.  

Following the meeting, BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized that his party wants to complete electoral reforms as soon as possible before holding a national election. He stated that reforms are necessary and that BNP has been the first to advocate for them. He explained that the party's primary focus is on electoral reforms, which should be completed quickly, followed by an election. Further reforms, he said, could be addressed later through a newly elected parliament.  

When asked about a specific timeframe for the election, Mirza Fakhrul dismissed the idea of setting one, asserting that reform is an internal matter. He mentioned that BNP is in communication with reform commissions and has already held meetings with them. He also questioned why his party would need to present a timeline to the UN Secretary-General.  

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed remarked that the UN views election and reform as internal matters for Bangladesh and believes that the people of the country should determine the process.  

Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher highlighted discussions on reforms, fair elections, sustainable democracy, and national unity. He noted that the UN Secretary-General supported most of their points and expressed optimism about fair elections in Bangladesh, promising the UN's cooperation.  

Ganosamhati Andolon’s Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki said that the delegation sought UN assistance in ensuring international standards for justice regarding the July genocide. He also reaffirmed his party’s stance on electoral and governance reforms.  

National Citizens' Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam stated that his party's position on reforms was presented during the meeting. He reiterated the party’s commitment to accountability for genocide and reforms, emphasizing that foundational changes must take place under the current government. He argued that elections without reforms would be ineffective and also touched upon constitutional and parliamentary issues.  

AB Party General Secretary and lawyer Asaduzzaman Fuad emphasized the necessity of UN support in implementing recommendations from its reports on genocide. He also alleged that relatives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina still hold positions within three UN institutions.  

The meeting was also attended by legal advisor Asif Nazrul, Consensus Commission Vice President Professor Dr. Ali Riaz, members Dr. Iftekharuzzaman and Badiul Alam Majumdar, among others.  

UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Dhaka on Thursday for a four-day official visit at the invitation of Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.  

On the third day of his visit, Guterres had a packed schedule. On Sunday morning, he visited the newly established UN Common Premises in Dhaka, attended a photo exhibition marking Bangladesh’s 50th anniversary as a UN member, and formally hoisted the UN flag. He, along with Industry, Housing, and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, inaugurated the ‘UN House in Bangladesh’ in Gulshan.  

Later in the day, at 5:20 PM, António Guterres and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain are scheduled to hold a joint press conference.