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TL;DR
- Seven Islamist parties propose a two-term limit for the prime minister and demand electoral reforms before holding national elections.
- Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus engages in discussions with political parties to implement necessary reforms and ensure a fair election process.
- The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) calls for a specific election timeline and proposes 83 reforms, including the cancellation of the Awami League’s registration.
- Islamist parties demand the withdrawal of cases against Hefazat leaders and propose a tribunal for past mass killings.
Bangladesh, seven Islamist parties have proposed a constitutional amendment to limit the tenure of a prime minister to a maximum of two terms. This proposal was made during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his official residence, Jamuna, on August 31, 2024. The meeting included leaders from Khelafat Majlish, Nizam-e-Islam, Hefazat-e-Islam, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Islami Andolon, Khelafat Andolon, and Jamiat Ulama-e Islam.
The parties emphasized the need for a free and neutral election within a reasonable timeframe, advocating for fundamental reforms to ensure a fair electoral process. Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque, who briefed reporters after the meeting, stated that the parties support the interim government’s reform agenda but stressed the urgency of holding elections promptly.
Chief Adviser Professor Yunus acknowledged the necessity of reforms, particularly in the Election Commission, to create a level playing field for a neutral election. He indicated that while the interim government does not intend to remain in power indefinitely, a logical timeframe is required to implement these reforms effectively.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Oli Ahmed, also participated in the discussions, demanding a specific timeline for both national and local elections. Oli Ahmed emphasized the importance of conducting elections swiftly, stating, “We don’t want any election without carrying out necessary reforms. But election at the earliest would be good for the country and the interim government as well as for the political parties.” The LDP presented 83 proposals aimed at eradicating corruption and exploitation, including the controversial suggestion to cancel the registration of the Awami League.
Mamunul Haque reiterated the Islamist parties’ demand for a two-term limit for the prime minister’s position and called for electoral reforms to ensure comprehensive voter representation in parliament. He underscored the importance of constitutional reforms to prevent the re-establishment of fascism and advocated for the withdrawal of legal cases against Hefazat leaders within a month.
Azizul Haque Islamabadi, Hefazat’s joint general secretary, highlighted four fundamental demands, including the formation of a tribunal to address mass killings in 2013, 2021, and 2024, and the arrest of those responsible for instigating violence and enforced disappearances.
Islami Andolon Bangladesh, represented by Mufti Syed Rezaul Karim, presented 13 proposals, including the abolition of the current constitution and the establishment of a constitutional commission to draft a new one, which would be ratified through a referendum. The party also called for the formation of an inquiry commission and an independent tribunal to investigate the July massacre, as well as the reconstitution of the Election Commission to ensure a free and fair election.
The dialogue between the interim government and political parties reflects a broader effort to address political instability following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, due to a student-led mass uprising. The interim government, led by Professor Yunus, assumed office on August 8, 2024, and has been engaging with various political factions to establish a framework for future governance and elections.
Source: The Daily Star
