BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anne on Sunday called upon all political parties to stay united for the sake of democracy and rebuilding Bangladesh, instead of creating unnecessary debate over the recent meeting between Prof Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman in London.
“Some people were objecting to this meeting, but I think it does not go with the spirit of democracy. It is not justified. There is still time. I believe every party should come together in the greater interest of democracy,” he said while speaking at a milad and doa mahfil.
Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal organised the programme on the ground floor of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, seeking the complete recovery of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia and the speedy recovery of party Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal.
Following the ouster of the fascist regime through the July-August mass uprising, Anne said all parties should move forward maintaining unity. “That unity is possible under the leadership of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.”
He said a joint statement was issued following a warm meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique on Friday, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the country’s people.
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“It is the goal of all of us who fought against fascism to build a better Bangladesh. The foundation of democracy will be weakened if the anti-fascist political parties remain divided,” the BNP leader observed.
He also said there should not have been any heartburn among political parties over the meeting held in London.
Anne criticised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman for his comment that there was favouritism towards a specific party in the meeting.
Stating that everyone knows the reason behind Tarique’s exile in London, Anne questioned why this meeting is now being criticised.
He pointed out that Jamaat had met the Chief Adviser several times, but Tarique could not do so earlier as he has been staying abroad.
In the current context, he said, the meeting was important for Bangladesh’s election, reforms and justice, just like the meetings held inside the country with other political parties.
The BNP leader said had Tarique been in the country, his meeting with the Chief Adviser would not have taken place abroad.
He said Tarique Rahman has announced a 31-point state reform outline as BNP is against the rule of one-party and one-person.
If BNP is voted to power, Anne said it will form a national government with all the parties who were part of the movement against the fascist Awami League regime.