Differences of opinion on various issues among major political forces, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI), and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, have intensified ahead of the next parliamentary election. 

Simultaneously, the ousted fascist Awami League, its allies in the 14-Party Alliance, and the Jatiya Party led by GM Quader have become almost irrelevant in national politics due to their misdeeds and their direct or indirect links to the fascism that crippled the country, culminating in the July mass uprising. 

The informal anti-fascism unity of political parties, spearheaded by students, triggered the mass uprising that ousted the authoritarian regime on 5 August.

The movement, initiated in July by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement against discrimination in government jobs, ultimately led to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic regime. 

Following the regime’s collapse, the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, formed reform commissions to ensure good governance and accountability.

Meanwhile, the BNP had earlier presented a 31-point proposal in 2023. During a dialogue with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, Jamaat also proposed a 10-point state reform agenda ahead of the general election. 

Additionally, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement demanded the completion of state reforms and the prosecution of fascist political leaders involved in crimes such as genocide during the uprising. 

Diverging views on elections 

The differences in opinion have become more pronounced as the BNP and its allies advocate for holding parliamentary elections as soon as possible to restore democracy, for which they have campaigned over the last 17 years.   

The BNP maintains that sustainable reforms can only be implemented by a government elected by the people. 

“In a democratic country, differences of opinion among parties or individuals may exist; it is natural. But the BNP wants elections as early as possible to restore democracy, which we have been fighting for over the last 17 years,” BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo told the Daily Sun. 

He added, “If elections are held immediately, it will benefit the country and its economy. Those who oppose early elections do not believe in democracy.” 

Citing the chief adviser’s statement about holding elections at the end of this year or early next year, Mintoo expressed hope that the government and other political parties would respect public opinion, as people want elections immediately to ensure stability. 

Conversely, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have argued for delaying elections until necessary reforms are completed. 

“In politics, leaders and activists of each party typically express their party’s stance. Both the BNP and Jamaat want elections. We have said they should be held as early as possible, while the BNP suggested July or August,” Jamaat Publicity Secretary Motiur Rahman Akand told the Daily Sun. 

He added, “Without essential reforms, there is a risk that elections will once again fail to be free, fair, and neutral.” 

Disputes over key issues 

Differences of opinion extend to other issues, including the July Proclamation, the scrapping of the 1972 Constitution, and the banning of the ousted fascist Awami League. 

The BNP opposes scrapping the 1972 Constitution and banning the Awami League, whereas the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement are demanding both. 

Addressing a press conference on 14 January, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated, “There could be differences of opinion among political parties regarding the next election, as each has its own characteristics and perspectives.” 

He added, “BNP is advocating for immediate elections, while Jamaat has also shared its perspective. There doesn’t appear to be significant differences between us on this matter. Just a few days ago, the Jamaat Ameer expressed support for holding parliamentary elections first.” 

Jamaat Nayeeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher recently remarked, “We have a good relationship, and I believe the BNP is correct in stating there is no conflict between us.” 

Call for unity

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus held an all-party meeting on Thursday regarding the July Proclamation and emphasised unity among the parties. “If it cannot be made together, it should not be announced. If declared through unity, it will benefit the country,” he said. 

Following the meeting, Adviser Asif Nazrul stated, “Everyone agreed that such a declaration is necessary. Consensus was reached on forming the proclamation, ensuring that each party’s contributions are properly acknowledged.” 

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, who attended the meeting, noted, “We have asked the interim government about the necessity and significance of the July Proclamation at this point and its potential political, historical, and legal impact.” 

Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar cautioned the government against creating instability or a lack of coordination when preparing the proclamation. 

‘AL, allies becomes irrelevant’

Prof Sabbir Ahmed from Dhaka University’s Department of Political Science commented on the government’s responsibility to address differences of opinion to prevent potential violent conflicts. 

“There may be an understanding between the BNP, Jamaat, and other parties behind the scenes. I believe all parties will join the elections and remain united on this issue,” he said. 

Discussing the Awami League’s current irrelevance, Prof Ahmed suggested the party could regain relevance if it distances itself from the family of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

Meanwhile, economist and political analyst Prof Mahbub Ullah noted that while the Awami League and its allies currently lack relevance, their established social structures could pose challenges in the future. 

“Given the unity emphasised during the Chief Adviser’s meeting, I believe the differences among the parties and the government are not insurmountable,” he added. 

Since the 5 August mass uprising, the deposed fascist Awami League and its allies have become irrelevant, with many leaders fleeing the country and their parties ceasing public programmes.

The interim government has continued discussions with anti-fascist parties while excluding the Awami League, Jatiya Party, and the 14-Party Alliance from all-party meetings.