Political parties united against conspiracy to derail July uprising: Govt statement

Leaders of major political parties have pledged unity to thwart any conspiracy to undermine the July uprising, describing the attack on Inqilab Manch spokesperson and prospective independent candidate for Dhaka-8 Sharif Osman Hadi as part of a deeper plot.

The commitment was made at a meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at state guest house Jamuna on Saturday (13 December). Representatives from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizens' Party (NCP) attended.

Prof Yunus said the attack on Hadi was pre-planned and part of a major conspiracy with powerful forces behind it. "The conspirators want to prevent the election from happening. This attack is highly symbolic – they want to demonstrate power and derail all election arrangements. We must confront these unitedly."

He urged all to remain strong and prevent internal conflicts: "Political statements will be there, but we must move away from a culture of treating anyone as an enemy or attacking them. Tensions rise during elections, but they must stay controlled."

He warned that available information suggests the conspirators have expanded their network and deployed trained shooters.

BNP views

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said: "We must remain united in this situation. We cannot afford mutual blame. We have to raise a united voice against the conspiracy. We will not tolerate any evil force."

He emphasised unity despite political differences for the nation's and July's sake, and called for intensified drives to recover illegal arms.

Jamaat views

Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said recent mutual accusations among parties have given adversaries opportunities. "We must return to our previous unity."

He warned against turning each other into opponents for petty party interests and urged all to align their commitments.

NCP views

NCP Convener Nahid Islam said attempts to belittle the July uprising have been ongoing since it happened, with organised campaigns in media and administration. "Whoever comes to power after the election will suffer too. No one can run the government alone."

He alleged narratives are being created portraying July fighters as criminals, while efforts are made to normalise Awami League and Jatiya Party. "They appear regularly on TV talk shows, hold meetings in administration, gather in universities and chant slogans in court premises."

Hasnat Abdullah stressed internal unity: "No security will help if we are not united ourselves. Parties are creating opportunities for Awami League for political gains."

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said Awami League has grown stronger since infighting among parties began. "Parties must be vigilant not only for party interests but also national interests."

The meeting underscored a collective resolve to protect the gains of the July uprising and ensure a free and fair election.