Over 20 Political Parties Support December Election in Bangladesh
Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, convened a significant high-level meeting on Saturday, bringing together representatives from more than 20 political parties. The majority of attendees expressed strong support for holding national elections by December, signaling a unified drive toward restoring democratic governance.
Expanded Participation Reflects Broader Political Consensus
The meeting included 28 political parties and two alliances, an increase from the initially invited 26. Notably, the Jamiate-Ulema-e-Bangladesh and Islami Oikya Jote were added at the last moment, reflecting the interim government's intention to foster inclusivity and build a comprehensive political consensus ahead of upcoming elections.
Key Political Figures in Attendance
Senior members from major parties actively participated, including representatives from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) such as Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, Chairperson's Advisor Ismail Zabiullah, and Executive Committee Member Ruhul Quddus Kazal.
The recently reinstated Jamaat-e-Islami also sent a delegation led by Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, along with assistant secretaries general Rafiqul Islam Khan and Hamidur Rahman Azad.
Members of the National Consensus Commission, tasked with managing the political transition, were represented by Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz and other commission members.
Focus on Timely Electoral Transition
This inclusive meeting underscored a shared appetite among diverse political factions for a prompt return to electoral legitimacy. Though a definitive election date has yet to be announced, the interim administration under Muhammad Yunus is advancing a December timeline.
This development is poised to lead to Bangladesh’s most critical election in over a decade, potentially reshaping the country's political landscape.
