Dhaka, Jan 16 (V7N)- Salahuddin Ahmed, the sole BNP Standing Committee member to attend the all-party meeting convened by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, raised concerns over the relevance of finalizing the July Uprising Declaration after five and a half months. The meeting, held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Thursday (January 16), aimed to consolidate political consensus on the declaration.

Key Points from Salahuddin Ahmed’s Statement

  1. Questioning the Need for the Declaration:
    Salahuddin Ahmed questioned whether the declaration was still necessary after such a delay. He urged the stakeholders to evaluate its political, historical, and legal significance before moving forward.

  2. Preserving Unity:
    Emphasizing the importance of maintaining anti-fascist unity, he stated that the national unity formed through the July Uprising could serve as a foundation for mass unity and a new political culture. He warned against actions that could disrupt this unity or create confusion among political allies.

  3. Inclusion and Consultation:
    Salahuddin stressed the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach, ensuring that all political and social forces are consulted before finalizing the declaration.

  4. Respect for Historical Significance:
    While recognizing the potential of political documents to gain historical value, he urged careful deliberation to prevent the declaration from becoming a source of division.

Next Steps and BNP’s Stance

The BNP leader reiterated his party’s commitment to unity and constructive engagement with the interim government, while calling for clarity on the objectives and implications of the declaration. The Chief Advisor and other advisors are expected to address these concerns in the upcoming discussions, ensuring that all stakeholders remain aligned.

Conclusion

The all-party meeting highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of consolidating a unified stance against fascism while finalizing the declaration of the July Uprising. The BNP’s focus on inclusivity and unity underscores the need for careful navigation of political dynamics in the coming months.

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