Photo: Collected
Once again, a distance has emerged between the Jamaat-BNP alliance over the election issue. While a significant faction of the BNP is pressuring Dr. Yunus's government to hold quick elections, Jamaat-e-Islami prefers to allow time for reforms.
Recently, the chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, delivered a speech to the nation, which has led to differences of opinion between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The BNP expressed disappointment over the lack of an electoral outline in that speech, whereas Jamaat-e-Islami expressed their well-wishes.
The two parties have been debating this in meetings and seminars.
Meanwhile, top-level leaders and activists of both parties are voicing intense frustration on social media. In addition to the election issue, a faction of the BNP is also questioning and running negative campaigns about Jamaat Ameer's declaration of forgiveness towards the Awami League and Dr. Shafiqur Rahman's travel on Bashundhara's plane.
Regarding the election issue, Jamaat leaders are advocating for the interim government to initiate reforms and organise elections. They believe that addressing the causes of the mass uprising should be prioritized before elections are held. Consequently, they are not in favour of an extremely quick election.
On the other hand, last Sunday in Kumarkhali, Kushtia, after a discussion meeting with the families of those killed in the anti-discrimination student movement, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that a reasonable timeframe for the election will be specified soon.
On August 5, the Awami League government fell due to a mass uprising by students and the public. On August 8, the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed control of the country. Although the BNP welcomed this government, they expressed regret on August 26 because there was no roadmap for national elections in the Chief Adviser's speech delivered on the evening of August 25. Mirza Fakhrul expressed disappointment, saying that they had expected Dr. Yunus to announce an election roadmap. He commented that he did not believe in reforms implemented by a few individuals. Conversely, Jamaat viewed the Chief Adviser's speech positively and wants to give the government time.
In response to Dr. Muhammad Yunus's statement, “When the election will be held is entirely a political decision, not our decision,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul said, “There is still one thing that's unclear to me. I had hoped that the Chief Adviser would provide a roadmap on how they would proceed towards democracy, but we did not receive that. He talked about reforms but only hinted at which sectors reforms would be introduced. I understand it’s not possible in such a short time. Still, if he had given us an idea, we could have assumed that things were moving in a positive direction."
Before the 12th national election, the BNP engaged in a movement to overthrow the government with like-minded parties and alliances, maintaining regular contact with Jamaat around this movement. Similarly, during the recent student-public movement, there was close communication between the two parties. However, after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, tension has arisen between the two parties over this sensitive issue. While the BNP aims to exert mental pressure on the interim government regarding the national election, Jamaat is taking an opposing stance. Many have suggested that communication between the two parties has become somewhat limited.
Regarding the BNP's position on the election, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman told the media, “BNP is preparing for the election. We are not prioritising the election at this moment. The nation is currently in crisis, with various districts affected by floods. We consider this the current political situation. We believe it's not logical to discuss elections without resolving these issues. That's why we're not discussing the election at the moment. We will continue to do our best, with whatever capability Allah has given us, to address these issues for the people.”
Criticising Jamaat-e-Islami's stand on the national election timeline, BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said, “Some are saying we're drowning in floods, so what's the need for an election now? People will speak according to their nature. There are some people and parties who get 19 seats when they are with us, but only three seats when they join the Awami League. Naturally, they will fear the vote. This is not unusual.”
Messenger/Disha
