Janata Dal names DNCC, DSCC mayoral candidates

Janata Dal nominated Del H Khan and Suhani Shifa as its mayoral candidates for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), while proposing the formation of a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address longstanding political divisions and institutional conflicts.

The announcement was made at a programme 'National Unity, Announcement of Dhaka City Corporation Election Candidates and Public Accession' at the National Press Club on Thursday.

Del H Khan, the party's organisational secretary and spokesperson, said national unity requires identifying the historical, political, constitutional and institutional roots of existing conflicts and developing a time-bound roadmap for their resolution through collective efforts by the state, government and political parties.

He identified disputes over the history and spirit of the Liberation War, the declaration of independence, the national anthem, constitutional principles and state religion, electoral credibility, the Election Commission and judicial proceedings concerning international crimes as major obstacles to national unity.

He also highlighted the incomplete implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, land disputes and the rights of ethnic minorities.

In proposing an independent, impartial and inclusive National Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Del H Khan suggested establishing the commission's operations at national, district and upazila levels.

Drawing on Rwanda's Gacaca community-based justice model, he proposed adapting its relevant features to Bangladesh's legal and social realities to uncover the truth and resolve disputes where legally permissible. However, he stressed that serious crimes must remain subject to due judicial process and accountability.

The programme was chaired by the party's Chairman and freedom fighter Brigadier General (retd) Shamim Kamal. Secretary General Azam Khan, Joint Secretary General Fuad Saki and other party leaders attended.

Several people from different professional, social and political backgrounds also announced their decision to join the party.

The programme also called for an inclusive national dialogue involving political parties, civil society, professionals and citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, to build consensus on national unity.