Sharing a background story of a changed Bangladesh with his global audience, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has laid emphasis on creating a mechanism so that everybody in Bangladesh can vote "freely and fairly" without any "interruption or threat" to anybody while exercising their democratic rights. During a one-to-one conversation with World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab, 84-year-old economist and the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Yunus said all the young people who became voters over the last 16 years did not have a chance to vote which is very unfortunate. Unless they know what kind of election the people of the country want, the Chief Adviser said they can not go into election. He said they are waiting to hold election and now people have to decide the process - whether they will go for the short agenda or the long agenda. Dr Yunus said they have targeted the end of this year for the election to take place if people go for a quick reform agenda. "If people say, no - we need a longer list of reforms, then we need another six months," he said. The Chief Adviser spoke of the student protests that brought down a 15-year tenure of Sheikh Hasina last July. This is the most powerful generation in human history, he announced, before addressing politicians around the world. Dr Yunus described the reforms the interim government is undertaking to prepare the country of 171 million people for free and fair elections, possibly as soon as the end of 2025. Reflecting on the role of the students, he said technology has changed them - they are not Bangladeshi young people anymore, they are global young people. "We define that new Bangladesh and we are committed to creating that new Bangladesh," said the Chief Adviser. He said the demands from the movement came that they do not want to go back to the old Bangladesh, so they have to make a new Bangladesh. Read: National election likely by year end or early 2026: EC Masud Dr Yunus said they do not want to go back to that kind of tradition of elections without votes. He talked about a consensus commission to build a consensus around each piece of their work and on the basis of agreement of all parties and civil society organisations, they will prepare what they call "July charter," the month when a uprising took place in Bangladesh. Dr Yunus said they are smarter than any other generation because of the technology they have. "So, this young generation can expand their views and create their own world." Encouraging the young people to become entrepreneurs, the Chief Adviser said they are preparing them to take a job but job-oriented education is finished. "I said this generation is a generation of entrepreneurs." Dr Yunus said they see enormous amounts of support internationally for Bangladesh and its people. Klaus Schwab, impressed by Dr Yunus' speech, expressed his happiness over the "exceptional" half an hour conversation with a "visionary" man. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to leave Davos for Dhaka on Friday night (Switzerland time) via Zurich International Airport wrapping up his very busy four-day visit with nearly 50 engagements. He will return home on January 25. Read more: Prioritising national election is EC’s main task: Commissioner Masud He arrived here in Zurich, Switzerland on Tuesday afternoon to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam received the Chief Adviser at the airport upon his arrival. Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs (Senior Secretary) Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Secretary (West) M Riaz Hamidullah, among others, are accompany Dr Yunus during the visit. Bangladesh highlighted its efforts for an improved business and investment climate during the annual meeting of the WEF in Switzerland to attract the global business leaders and investors giving them a confidence to explore the opportunities that Bangladesh offers. The annual meeting 2025 brought global leaders to address key global and regional challenges. These include responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards, and stewarding just and inclusive energy transition. Read more: Main goal is to ensure free, fair election: EC Sanaullah This year's meeting convened under the theme 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age' and the programme will be oriented around five distinct but highly interconnected thematic priorities: The meeting brought together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, and 350 governmental leaders, including 60 heads of states and governments, from all key regions.

BNP and Khelafat Majlis have agreed on seven issues, including holding the national election by 2025 and strengthening national unity to prevent the reemergence of the fallen fascists. “We have agreed on seven points, including the quick withdrawal of all false cases against the leaders and workers of the political parties that were part of the movement. In light of this, we will work, especially to achieve unity among the Islamic parties and to form national unity with all,” Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Ahmed Abdul Kader said on Wednesday after a meeting with BNP. The nine-member delegation, led by Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Abdul Basit Azad, held an hour-long meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Abdul Kader said they focused on maintaining the national unity that led to the success of the July-August mass uprising. BNP doesn’t need lessons on reforms: Amir Khosru He said they have been witnessing some political parties’ statements and activities that go against the spirit of national unity. “Our stance is in favour of unity, not division. It is important to unite now for the sake of the nation. That is why we have come to talk with BNP…. we agreed with them on different issues.” Kader said the major issues on which they reached an agreement with the BNP include forging unity among anti-fascist political parties, continuing inter-party dialogue to consolidate national unity, completing the necessary reforms quickly, and holding national elections by 2025. Other key points are controlling commodity prices, taking steps to improve the law and order situation, playing a positive role in upholding Islamic values and protecting religious harmony, maintaining national unity to prevent the reemergence of fallen autocrats and fascists, ensuring the speedy trial of those involved in murder, disappearance, and torture, and promptly withdrawing the false cases filed against ulema and political leaders and activists during the Awami regime. Khelafat Majlis, one of the components of the BNP-led 20-party alliance, had quit the BNP’s coalition in 2021, reportedly under duress from the then Awami League government. This was the first time the party held a formal meeting with the BNP after leaving the alliance. The meeting is seen as very significant, as it was held a day after Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh announced they would work together in the interests of the country, Islam, and humanity. Election after minimum reforms, not seeking it now: Fakhrul Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and IAB Ameer Syed Md Rezaul Karim made the announcement while speaking to reporters at the Charmonai Darbar Sharif in Barishal, indicating a new political polarisation. However, a BNP Standing Committee member said there is nothing to be worried about regarding the unity of Jamaat and IAB. Talking to reporters after the meeting with Khelafat Majlis, he said, “There is nothing to be concerned about. Whoever is doing politics in Bangladesh, those who have similar views can think about working together… there is no reason for anyone to be worried about that.” Nazrul said that at one time, one party opposed and criticised another, but later, during a movement, they became united. “This is nothing unusual… It has happened many times before that people who were once in agreement later disagreed.” He said there was no reason to be surprised or overly concerned about this, as he believed that political parties would act according to their political beliefs. BNP leader urges interim govt to quickly arrange election Nazrul said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has already declared that if their party forms the government, they will work together for the welfare of the people with the parties that waged the movement against the Awami fascist regime. He said they discussed the existing socio-economic and political situation with the Khelafat Majlis leaders and ways to fulfill the aspirations of the people. "There’s no disagreement between us over the issues we discussed."

Amid criticisms of the party’s early election demand, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has clarified that they are demanding the polls be held after minimum reforms, not right now. “We’re not saying the election must be held right now. But if polls are arranged after implementing minimum reforms, many problems will be resolved,” he said while addressing a discussion on Tuesday. No conflict between reform and election: Fakhrul The programme, titled Grantha Adda (Chatting on Books), was organised by Zia Smriti Pathagar at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and the 12th founding anniversary of the organisation. Fakhrul said many people, especially students, misunderstand him as to why he talks so much about the election. “I say this because I believe, though I don’t know if my belief is right or wrong, that any elected government is much better than an unelected one,” he said. The BNP leader said people have access to an elected government, which is currently lacking. Besides, he said, if the election is held, many of the problems the country is facing now will disappear, as the elected government will come to power with public mandate. “Those who are currently in power, (interim government), have not yet been able to set themselves, as they lack the confidence to understand the language of the people. I believe an elected government understands the people's language better,” Fakhrul said. Fakhrul’s statement political, no distance with govt: Rizwana He thanked the students for raising their voices for change in society and the governance system. At the same time, he urged all not to take any reckless steps that would only create anarchy in the country. “We must keep it in mind that we will not do anything that will lead to anarchy,” the BNP leader said. “If we want to contain the instability prevailing here, we must move forward with patience. We must be careful not to do anything that will create more chaos and invite further danger,” he warned. The BNP leader also urged all not to lose patience or hope. “We have high expectations but very little patience." Fakhrul said that although only a few months have passed since the interim government took charge, many people have become crazy as they are taking to the streets with different demands and blocking roads. “It’s natural that this government will make mistakes because they were not in government or politics before and did not understand politics. We must give them that time,” he said. Fakhrul lamented that the quality of education in the country has significantly declined, as the education sector has been destroyed. He said the current government has formed various commissions but none focused on education, which he described as most essential. BNP to prosecute ‘fallen fascists’ if voted to power: Fakhrul The BNP leader also said no visible efforts have been made to improve the standard of education or resolve the problems in the sector. He opposed the lottery system for admissions to educational institutions and said it should be abolished soon for establishing a merit-based education system.

BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Monday urged the interim government to promptly arrange a credible national election to transfer power to public representatives peacefully and with dignity. Speaking at a discussion, he cautioned the interim government, reminding that the people of the country ousted HM Ershad and Sheikh Hasina regimes through uprisings as their right to vote was denied. Refrain from wrongdoing, Tarique tells BNP followers  “The term of the interim government will never be indefinite. At some point, they have to leave. They must hand over power to the elected representatives of the people if they want to leave peacefully and with dignity,” the BNP leader said. He made the remarks at a programme organised by the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) titled “Shaheed Zia and Multi-Party Democracy and the Current Political Context” at Dhaka Medical College’s Dr Milon Auditorium, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. Mosharraf, a BNP Standing Committee member, said their party has been supporting the interim government since its formation urging it to hand over power to public representatives by holding a free and fair election after promptly completing reforms as much as possible. “If the government does this, the people of the country will be able to support the future government in peace and comfort and help take the nation forward, " he said. BNP pays homage to Zia on his birth anniversary He said the government is talking about reforms, but all reforms cannot be carried out by fixing any specific timeframe as it is an ongoing process. The BNP leader said his party has submitted its reform proposals in response to the government’s call. “The government should now finalise the reform proposals through discussions with all the parties and take steps for their implementation.” BNP promises to ignore loan defaulters in upcoming election Mosharraf said any reform this administration is unable to implement will remain incomplete and can be completed by the next government. “So, if this government wants to leave peacefully and with dignity, it is imperative to arrange the election after completing the reforms without further delay and transfer power to the representatives of the people,” he said. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh changed governments through their votes in 1991, 1996, and 2001 as they were given the opportunity to exercise their right to franchise. However, he said the students and the people of this country overthrew governments, including those of Ershad and Hasina, through mass uprisings when their right to vote was obstructed. “So, we would request the current government to understand these realities and arrange an election very soon for a permanent solution,” the BNP leader said.

BNP Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque has demanded that the interim government promptly announce the national election date by upholding the dignity of the July mass uprising. "I request the Chief Adviser of the interim government to immediately announce the election date without any further delay or wastage of time, in order to keep intact the honour of the second independence, earned at the cost of the blood of Abu Sayed and Mugdho," he said while addressing a rally on Friday. Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the announcement of a roadmap for the national election. Stay alert against rift over ‘July Declaration’: Salahuddin to govt Farroque, a former opposition chief whip, said the interim government should not waste unnecessary time holding the polls under the guise of reforms. "Reforms will continue, the election date will be set, and preparations for the election will also go on. I demand the immediate announcement of the election date," he said. The BNP leader recalled that former Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, who was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at that time, arranged a free and fair election in Bangladesh in 1991 within a short time after the fall of autocratic ruler HM Ershad. He said there is now no need for so many reforms to hold a free, fair and credible election like that of 1991. The BNP leader observed that the nation needs reforms that will provide relief to the people and allow them to purchase rice and other essential commodities at reasonable prices. He slammed the government for increasing value-added tax (VAT) and supplementary duty (SD) on nearly 100 goods and services, making life more expensive. EC waiting for final shape of reform proposal: Commissioner Masud “You came to power through the revolution of students and the masses. You are in government through the students' movement. So, why have you imposed VAT on the tiffin boxes of school students? Why have you immorally imposed VAT on all daily essentials?” Farroque said. He said the country’s common people are facing severe hardships due to the VAT and SD increases. “Where they earlier managed to live on Tk 10,000 a month, now they cannot even make ends meet on Tk 25,000.” He alleged that a syndicate is profiting by buying hundreds of tickets, holding them in offices, and selling them at inflated prices to people intending to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia, only because of the government’s inaction. All parties reach consensus on inclusive ‘July Declaration’: Asif Nazrul Farroque called upon the Civil Aviation Advisor to take proper steps to dismantle this unscrupulous syndicate so that people can buy tickets at fair prices to perform Umrah.

With the Awami League absent from the political stage following the August 5 (2024) political changeover, the two long-standing allies, BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, appear to be drifting apart as they vie for dominance ahead of the upcoming elections, according to political analysts. They said a deepening rift between the BNP and Jamaat is taking centre stage, with their leaders trading sharp criticisms, signalling a new polarisation in the country’s political landscape. Political analysts also observed that while BNP and Jamaat have had conflicts in the past, the level of hostility between them this time is unprecedented in recent years as both parties seek to assert their political power They also predicted that Jamaat may try to forge an alliance with Islamist parties to emerge as a strong opposition in the 13th parliament if Awami League fails to stage a comeback in politics ahead of the election. 'Jamaat chief’s remarks hurt, still hope for united movement': BNP leader However, they are not ruling out the possibility of Jamaat contesting the polls under BNP’s alliance if the Awami League can engage in politics and join the election race. Despite the current strain, senior leaders from both BNP and Jamaat told UNB that they do not want to damage their unity since they believe any division could ease the Awami League’s return to politics. The conflict between the two parties intensified after the mass uprising, primarily surrounding the Islamic bank takeover and the dispute over taking credit for the uprising. Following this, Jamaat leaders accused the BNP of "grabbing and extortion" across the country. BNP initially refrained from commenting, but on December 29, BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that not only India but also several political parties, including those opposed to the 1971 Liberation War, were trying to exploit the political turmoil for their own gain. BNP leader criticises Jamaat for defending 1971 role instead of apologising Rizvi also accused Jamaat of being involved in taking over various institutions, including banks, and engaging in tender manipulation. In response, Jamaat issued a statement refuting these allegations. The discord continued as Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at an event in Rangpur on December 23 said there are only two tested patriotic forces in the country-- one is the army, the other is Jamaat-e-Islami. Later, Rizvi termed the Jamaat chief’s comment ridiculous and raised questions about the role of the "Islamist party" in the 1971 Liberation War. At a programme on Thursday, BNP senior leader Maj (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed slammed Jamaat for trying to justify its role in 1971 instead of offering an apology. Supporters of both parties have been particularly active on social media, exchanging harsh words and fueling the growing hostility between them. The BNP and Jamaat have had an enduring relationship, especially during the 1991 national election, and their formal coalition was formed in 1999. They remained politically aligned until the dissolution of their 20-party alliance before the 12th national election. For quite some time, there has been a noticeable gap between the two parties, especially since the BNP dissolved the 20-party alliance in December 2022, to carry out a simultaneous movement with many other parties, including some left-leaning ones. BNP-Jamaat relations also got strained in 2018, as BNP formed Jatiya Oikyafront with Dr Kamal Hossain-led Gonoforum and some other parties, ignoring Jamaat. Jamaat also harboured resentment towards BNP due to its silence over the arrest and execution of Jamaat’s top leaders for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. However, the differences were later resolved following a high-level meeting, but now, tensions have resurfaced. Some BNP leaders said that Jamaat Amir first attacked the BNP with his comments shortly after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, stating that although one oppressor had left, another should not take the nation's reins. Jamaat Ameer discusses reforms, national unity with Chief Adviser Yunus They said the Jamaat chief also criticised the BNP in September when the party demanded an early election, prompting BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to respond, saying that those with no public support do not want the election. BNP leaders said though they are actively vocal about the election roadmap and early election, Jamaat wants the election to be delayed with their evil intention. They said Jamaat is also now seeking local body elections before the national election, which goes against the stance of the BNP. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said it is natural for BNP leaders and workers to feel resentment over the negative remarks made by Jamaat leaders. “Jamaat has not been a rival of BNP in electoral calculations in the last 50 years, but it seems the party has started considering BNP as a rival,” he observed. Tuku said Jamaat leaders should be more cautious with their political statements as the BNP is focused on uniting pro-democratic forces for the nation's greater good. Talking to UNB Jamaat-e-Islami Publicity Affairs Secretary Adv Motiur Rahman Akand said some BNP leaders are making derogatory comments against Jamaat by using outdated words and terms. “The people of the country have not accepted such old narratives about Jamaat. Had they accepted these outdated statements, Jamaat’s popularity and organisational expansion would not have increased,” Akand said. He said some BNP leaders are attacking Jamaat out of jealousy and envy, as it is increasingly gaining popularity. Akand , however, claimed that although some leaders are engaging in verbal exchanges, both parties remain united in the greater interest of the nation. “There is no rift between the top leaders of the two parties. I also believe the relationship between the two parties has not deteriorated. Some leaders are making comments out of frustration and ego. This is a temporary stance. The original unity remains intact,” the Jamaat leader said. Dr Shamsul Alam, a professor of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University, said Jamaat is trying to stimulate its grassroots and expand its organisation by making negative comments against the BNP in the absence of the Awami League. He said the pro-Jamaat student body Chhatra Shibir is also trying to establish its supremacy on all educational campuses, challenging BNP’s student wing Chhatra Dal. “I think there is a rift at the grassroots level of the two parties, not at the centres, in the changed situation. But before the election, either both parties will reunite, or there will be a new polarisation,” he said.      

Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir has said Bangladesh, for over a decade, lived under the shadow of a regime that turned "elections into farces, dissent into treason, and the press into a pliant karaoke machine".  He said deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government was not content with just running the country; it wanted to own it, complete with a monopoly on truth.  "And yet, many Indian media outlets covered her like she was the reincarnation of Florence Nightingale with a hint of Indira Gandhi—a benevolent savior wrapped in a saree," Apurba said in Facebook post shared from his verified account.  The DPS said the headlines painted Hasina as the "custodian of regional stability, the queen of economic growth, the counterterrorism champion." "All the while, you conveniently ignored the cracks in her carefully curated narrative: the enforced disappearances, the muzzled media, and the rigged elections that would make even the most seasoned dictator blush. But hey, why bother with facts when you’ve got a heroine to glorify, right?," Apurba said. The DPS claimed that India’s political elite has long seen Bangladesh as the "pliant younger sibling —a nation to scold, co-opt, and control".  European countries: CA's press wing shares progress on visa issues He said Hasina fit neatly into that box. "She gave you border deals, connectivity agreements, and a steady hand against your own domestic insurgencies. In return, you turned a blind eye to her despotic tendencies, spinning her reign as one long, glorious Durga Puja of democracy." And now, Apurba said, as the Interim Government of Bangladesh charts a new path—one rooted in accountability, transparency, and genuine public service—"you’ve shifted gears".  "Suddenly, we’re painted as a ‘threat to stability,’ a rogue element disrupting the cozy status quo, the next villain of “Pathan”. Never mind that our goal is to restore the democratic rights that Hasina trampled on. Never mind that our mandate is to fix what she broke," Apurba mentioned in his Facebook post. But here is a little secret, said the DPS, adding that Bangladesh "isn’t your pawn, and it never was. We’re not here to play second fiddle in your geopolitical symphony, and we’re certainly not here to rubber-stamp your propaganda." Trade most import vehicle for economic dev: Adviser Salehuddin He said they a nation with their own dreams. "Our own struggles, and yes, our own flavors—bold, unapologetic, and unforgettable." Reffing to their friends in the Indian media, Apurba said, "Here’s a piece of advice: go easy on the favoritism. Don’t mistake loyalty to a leader for loyalty to a nation." "As for us? We’ll keep cooking up something better—a future where democracy isn’t a garnish, but the main course," said the CA's DPS.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said that the Awami League may participate in elections unless the government or the judiciary issues a ban against the party. The CEC said this during a meeting with election officials at the Chattogram Circuit House on Monday morning. “The Election Commission runs with complete independence and faces no external pressure. We are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure a fair and transparent election,” the CEC assured. Govt issues directives for Tabligh Jamaat activities to maintain peace Highlighting past challenges, the CEC acknowledged the issue of fake voters in previous elections and attributed a decline in voter registration to mistrust in the voting process, and announced plans to initiate a voter list update soon to address these concerns. “The voter list will be updated within the next six months. This time, elections will not follow previous patterns. Since 5 August, there has been significant progress in fostering national consensus on electoral matters,” he added. During the meeting, the CEC provided detailed guidelines on voter list updates and preparations for the upcoming national election. Govt committed to ensuring security on waterways: Adviser Sakhawat He said that the commission is ready to hold a credible election and restore people’s trust in the process. Regional election officials from various levels attended the meeting, contributing to discussions on election management and strategies for improving voter engagement.

Describing the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus as the weakest in the country’s history, BNP senior leader Asaduzzaman Ripon on Wednesday said the next election must be held by 2025 to establish an elected administration. “The current interim government is the weakest in history. With such a weak government in power, the country's independence and sovereignty could be at risk, the law and order situation may worsen, and economic instability may arise. So, an elected government accountable to the people is essential,” he told a discussion. Khaleda likely to go to London on Jan 7 Zia Shishu-Kishor Mela, a pro-BNP platform, organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 29th death anniversary of late Zahid Hossain Chunnu, former cultural secretary of BNP and former convener of the Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas). Ripon, a BNP Vice Chairman, said the people of Bangladesh will not accept it if the current government wants to cling to power for years in the name of reforms. "The election must be arranged by 2025 by completing all the necessary reforms," he asserted. Ripon, also a former president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said the main reason behind all the crises created in Bangladesh is the lack of credible elections. "Elections are the cause of all the crises in Bangladesh. A properly elected government can never be an autocrat.” The BNP leader said the government is talking about reforms, but there are no visible efforts by it to complete the overhauling of state institutions. He said the government has already missed three important steps of reform by reconstituting the Election Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission, and recruiting 23 judges, all following the same pattern as Sheikh Hasina, before the final report of the relevant reform commissions. Ripon said although Sheikh Hasina’s government was ousted through a mass uprising, the nation has yet to overcome the crisis. Identify common enemies: Dr Zahid to govt "We are still in a great crisis. Our leader Tarique Rahman has repeatedly said the upcoming elections will be difficult as conspiracies are being hatched against BNP. So, we must reach out to the people and gain their trust," he said. The BNP leader also urged everyone to be cautious, as politics before August 5 and politics after August 5 are not the same. "We must keep in mind what people think if we want to do politics. Otherwise, we’ll make political mistakes," he observed. Ripon also called upon everyone, including students, not to create divisions by raising the issue of who played what role in the July-August uprising. "We must note one thing that the movement can’t be divided in any way. The spirit of the movement cannot be divided. If we do so, the fallen dictator will benefit from it. So, we can’t allow the autocrats to make political gains," he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has accused the Awami League of engaging in murderous politics even before coming to power, beginning with the October 28, 2023, sit-in. Speaking at a Rukon (member) conference organized by Jamaat-e-Islami's Moulvibazar district unit on Saturday, he said, "AL started the killings before coming to power. On December 29, 2008, they came to power through backdoor negotiations. As soon as they came to power, they started the politics of murder." BNP begins talks with allies over national election He claimed the first act of violence occurred at Pilkhana, where he said the Awami League carried out the massacre. He also accused AL of targeting various political and social groups, stating, "First, they attacked Jamaat, then they arrested BNP leaders, humiliated Hefazat, and even disrespected the country's scholars and ulama. They killed and disappeared journalists and imprisoned them." The conference, which began at around 12:30 pm, was presided over by Jamaat's Moulvibazar District Ameer Engineer Md. Shahed Ali, with District Secretary Md. Yamir Ali as moderator. Regarding relations with India, he said "The country where she (Sheikh Hasina) has taken refuge is our neighbor. With respect to our neighbor, I want you to live in peace, and let us live in peace.” Formation of King's Party would cost interim government its credibility: Rizvi “You (India) talk about communal harmony to us, but take a good look at your own face in the mirror. How do you treat those you call minorities there?" The Jamaat leader also raised concerns about the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), now renamed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), alleging that the force was destroyed through a conspiracy. Among the leaders who spoke at the conference were Jamaat's central assistant secretary Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Dhaka Metropolitan South Ameer Md. Selim Uddin, Dhaka Paltan Police Station President Shahin Ahmed Khan, Sylhet District Ameer Md. Habibur Rahman, Sylhet Metropolitan Ameer Md. Fakhrul Islam, Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary Advocate Abdur Rob, and others.