Political leaders voice mixed, divided reactions after CA's meeting

As speculation swirls over possible resignation of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, leaders from 20 political parties met with him on Sunday, voicing both support and concern over the nation’s increasingly fragile political environment.

Following the meeting, held at the State Guest House Jamuna in two phases, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna stated, “He (the Chief Adviser) said we are in a deep national crisis. According to him, India does not accept the change underway in Bangladesh and wants to destroy it in a single day if possible.” 

Manna further noted that Chief Adviser emphasized the need for national unity to counter the perceived external interference..

During the discussions, Manna and others urged the Chief Adviser to clarify the election timeline and the roadmap for reforms. In response, the Chief Adviser reportedly said, “If there are fewer reforms, elections may be held by December. If broader reforms are implemented, elections will be in June. But in any case, not beyond June.”

Manna claimed that Professor Yunus was so committed to this timeline that he offered to sign a resignation letter in advance, ensuring elections would not be delayed past June.

Reflecting on internal tensions, Manna said the Chief Adviser was disappointed by a recent Advisory Council meeting, during which he even attempted to resign. “He described in detail how other advisers physically stopped him from submitting his resignation letter,” said Manna.

The Nagorik Oikya leader concluded by stating that the Chief Adviser was reassured after hearing that the parties present would remain united on key national issues, despite the ongoing political turbulence.

“The Chief Advisor believes the country is facing a major crisis due to Indian dominance, and he stressed that national unity is essential to overcome it.”

Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus held the meeting on Sunday with leaders from 20 political parties on Sunday at the State Guest House Jamuna. 

Mujahidul Islam Selim, former president of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), warned that there are conspiracies from inside and outside the country to stop the people's movement. He said that even though people may have different opinions, the public should decide which is right. He also stressed the need to make the necessary reforms for a fair election.

“If we delay, things could go out of control,” he warned.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikya, said India may not be happy with the progress being made in Bangladesh and might try to destroy it. He called on everyone to stay united to protect their achievements.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party, said Dr Yunus was very upset by recent events, which is why he thought about resigning. But Saiful said, “You shouldn’t change the boatman in the middle of the river,” meaning Dr. Yunus should stay in charge for now.

He said political parties want to trust Dr. Yunus, but asked for more neutral behavior from the interim government.

“We don’t want to see two governments within one government,” Saiful said, adding that big decisions, like setting up humanitarian corridors, should be made only after discussing with political parties.

Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, said Dr Yunus should stay only until a fair election is held. He said there is a lot of mistrust and distance between different groups, and this must be fixed.

“People want to see real justice, not just words,” he said, urging the government to follow international standards of fairness.

Saki also demanded a clear roadmap for holding elections. In response, Dr. Yunus agreed that a roadmap is important. However, he said the election date will only be announced once the environment and all institutions are ready for a fair election.

Mujibur Rahman Manju, Chairman of the My Bangladesh Party (AB Party), said D. Yunus felt the current situation was not good for holding elections and even considered resigning. Dr Yunus said the administration needs to be stronger and better prepared before an election can happen.

Colonel (Retd) Oli Ahmad, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Nagorik Oikya, Saiful Haque, Biplobi Workers Party of Bangladesh, Zonayed Saki, Ganosamhati Andolan, Hasnat Kaiyum, Rastro Songskar Andolon, Mojibur Rahman Monju, AB party, Mujahidul Islam Selim, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Khalequzzaman Bhuiyan, Socialist Party of Bangladesh, Tipu Biswas, National People's Front, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul, Bhashani Onushari Parishad, Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) took participate at the first phase of the meeting. 

In the second phase Maulana Sadikur Rahman, Maulana Rezaul Karim, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Maulana Mamunul Haque, Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam and Ameer of Khelafat Majlish, Maulana Ahmed Abdul Kader, Khelafat Majlis, Maulana Azizul Haque, Hefazat-e-Islam, Maulana Monjurul Islam Afendi, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Nurul Haque Nur, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Maulana Musa Bin Izhar, Hefazat-e-Islam, Maulana Sakhawat Hossain Razi, Islami Oikya Jote.

The meeting comes on the backdrop of growing political tensions and speculations that the chief adviser was considering resignation. 

Amid an unfolding political crisis, BNP, National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami members met with Muhammad Yunus on Saturday (24 May).