BNP does not support any extra-judicial process for banning political parties, says senior leader
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has termed the upcoming demonstrations announced by Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh as “self-contradictory,” noting that discussions on the July Charter are still ongoing.
“Everyone has the right to go on a movement for democratic rights, and we have no comment on that—it is their right. However, discussions are still underway regarding the implementation of the July Charter, and it is self-contradictory to hold demonstrations while these talks continue,” Salahuddin told The Business Standard on Sunday evening (15 September).
Clarifying BNP’s position on the demand to ban political parties, he said, “We do not support any process other than the judicial system. Holding accomplices of the fascist or other criminals accountable should be done through legal channels.”
On the issue of proportional representation (PR), Salahuddin distanced BNP from the debate. “The PR method is not feasible for Bangladesh. Our party is not considering it,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Jamaat-e-Islami announced protest programmes in Dhaka and other districts on 18, 19 and 26 September to press five demands. These include a national election based on the July Charter, the introduction of proportional representation in parliament, and a ban on the activities of the Jatiyo Party (JaPa) and other allies of the former ruling coalition.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader Syed Rezaul Karim, widely known as the Charmonai Pir, also declared similar programmes for the same dates to press identical demands.
Several other Islamic parties are preparing parallel demonstrations. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, led by Maulana Mamunul Haque, has already announced marches in Dhaka on 18 September, in divisional cities on 19 September, and across all districts and upazilas on 26 September, as part of a three-day programme pushing five key demands.
With multiple Islamic parties moving towards coordinated yet separate agitation, observers say the coming weeks will test the scope of street mobilisation around the July Charter.
