Dhaka, Aug 31 (V7N) - In a series of recent meetings with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, political parties across the spectrum have called for the interim government to expedite national elections following essential state reforms. The parties also pledged their support for overhauling the election system and other key state organs to ensure a credible election and restore democratic governance.

During the discussions held on Saturday at the state guest house Jamuna, leaders from various parties submitted written proposals detailing their demands for state reforms. They also briefed the media on the outcomes of their meetings.

Seven Islamic parties, including Khelafat Majlish and Hefazat-e-Islam, assured the Chief Adviser of their vigilance during the Durga Puja celebrations to prevent any disturbances. Their meeting, which began at 3 p.m., was followed by discussions with other parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, and others, continuing until 8 p.m.

LDP Chairman Oli Ahmed emphasized the need for a clear electoral roadmap, suggesting a timeframe of six to nine months for the completion of necessary reforms before holding elections. Ahmed also proposed that local elections could precede national elections to keep political engagement active. He stressed that reforms must precede elections to restore peace and good governance.

Ahmed expressed concerns about the current political climate, suggesting that unresolved issues and ongoing investigations into previous governance may lead to further unrest. He also criticized the current government, particularly the Awami League, and demanded their registration be annulled, citing alleged misconduct.

Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms in the judiciary, police, and other state organs. He advocated for preventing any individual from holding both the head of government and parliamentary leadership positions simultaneously and limiting prime ministerial tenures.

From the Islamic parties’ side, Maulana Mamunul Haque of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish stressed the importance of timely reforms and the withdrawal of cases against Hefazat-e-Islam leaders. He also called for a special tribunal to address past incidents and ensure no anti-Islamic policies are enacted.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader Syed Rezaul Karim proposed the establishment of a commission to investigate past election-related malpractices and recommended a proportional representation system to ensure a fair and inclusive electoral process.

Following the recent political upheaval, with the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the advisory council led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed interim responsibilities on August 8. The Chief Adviser has since been meeting with various political factions, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to gather their input and support for the interim government’s initiatives.

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