BNP, other parties ask if govt supports new demands of students

Senior leaders of the BNP and a few other parties have questioned the interim government's position on the recent demands – including the removal of Mohammed Shahabuddin as president and the banning of the Awami League – made by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

As the Student Movement continues to come up with ever newer demands, the leaders have questioned whether the government endorses these positions, given that some representatives of the movement hold positions within the government.

Taking part in a discussion today (28 October), they also warned that trying to force demands may erode the gains achieved from the mass uprising in July and August. 

At the event, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said ten commissions have been established for reforms, with reports expected within 90 days. 

However, he noted that new demands are being introduced in the meantime. 

"It remains unclear whether the reform commissions or the interim government support or are involved in these demands. This ambiguity must be addressed, as these issues are creating conflicts," Khasru added.

Calling for reforms through national unity rather than in a selective manner, he said issues should be dealt with on the basis of consensus. 

"There is broad consensus on the need for a free, fair, and transparent election system – people want their right to vote," said Khasru. 

Saiful Haque, general secretary of Biplobi Workers' Party, said that after getting reports from the reform commissions, actions should be decided through discussion with the political parties. 

"However, the entire reform agenda has fallen far behind at the moment as new issues have been brought forward from various quarters, including the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement," he added.

Haque further said the increasing number of new demands is creating division and casting doubts on the government's intentions. "Imposing new issues could result in setbacks rather than progress."

Criticising the recent Bangabhaban siege programme demanding the resignation of the president, Nagorik Oikya's Mahmudur Rahman Manna, said, "It did not send a good message. They are placing demands before the government while being in the government."

Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Junaid Saki spoke of the need to form a national political council. "All decisions should be taken unanimously. There is no alternative," he said. 

AB Party Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman said, "The unity among people seen three months ago is now declining. The Awami League has been banned culturally and politically, that is a big achievement."

The discussion, titled "80 Days of the Interim Government: Directions and Challenges", was organised by the Biplobi Workers' Party at Dhaka Reporters Unity. 

Earlier on 22 October, the Anti-discrimination Student Movement and National Citizens' Committee staged a demonstration at the Central Shaheed Minar, with a five-point demand, including the president's resignation within a week.

They also demanded the immediate repeal of the 1972 constitution and drafting of a new one, banning Chhatra League, issuing a proclamation of the Republic to shape post-2024 Bangladesh, and declaring the 2014, 2018, and 2024 national elections invalid.

Later on 23 October, the interim government imposed a ban on Chhatra League, citing provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Thursday told the media that the Advisory Council has decided that the fate of President Mohammed Shahabuddin – whether he will remain in office or be removed – will be determined after discussions with various political parties.

Today, A writ was filed with the High Court, pleading for an order so that a total of 11 political parties, including the Awami League, cannot run political activities across the country.