Political Climate Intensifies Ahead of Key Talks with Parties

The nation’s political scene has sharply escalated as disagreements continue over how to implement the July National Charter. Against this backdrop, Interim Government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to hold separate meetings today, Sunday, with three major political parties — the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP).

The unrest deepened after Friday night’s clashes between Jatiya Party and Gono Odhikar Parishad activists, during which security forces baton-charged, leaving Gono Odhikar leader Nurul Haque injured. The incident drew widespread condemnation from political groups and the interim authorities.

At a cabinet-level meeting chaired by Professor Yunus on Saturday, it was decided that a judicial inquiry would be launched into the attack on Nurul Haque. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam later announced the decision and confirmed today’s meetings with BNP, Jamaat, and NCP to review both the prevailing crisis and upcoming elections.

According to the adviser’s office, Jamaat will meet at 4:30 pm, NCP at 6:30 pm, and BNP at 7:30 pm — all at the official residence, Jamuna. BNP leaders indicated scheduling issues with their anniversary programme but said discussions will focus mainly on political and electoral developments.

Meanwhile, NCP representative Ariful Islam Adib confirmed that their invitation letter stated the talks would center on the current situation. Jamaat’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar also acknowledged receiving a direct call from the adviser’s office.

Sources suggest that discussions could also raise the issue of taking action against the Jatiya Party, accused of collaborating with the Awami League government in suppressing last July’s uprising.

In parallel, the law-and-order core committee of the government is also meeting today. At the same time, Gono Odhikar Parishad staged a rally demanding a ban on Jatiya Party within 48 hours. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, commenting from Jhenaidah, stated that the party’s past misdeeds and recent actions warrant legal scrutiny, and options are being considered.

The interim government has reaffirmed that the general election will go ahead in the first half of February 2026, declaring that no force will be allowed to derail the democratic process. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, however, warned at a rally in Mymensingh that “a conspiracy is underway to sabotage the polls.”

Charter Debate Remains Stalled

Efforts to build unity around the July National Charter have also stalled. The National Consensus Commission has been holding informal discussions with parties, but sharp divisions remain — particularly between the BNP on one side and Jamaat and the NCP on the other.

While Jamaat and NCP argue that constitutional reforms must be enacted before the next election, BNP insists such reforms should come through the next parliament. These fundamental differences have prevented consensus despite progress on smaller issues.

Commission officials indicated they had planned to begin formal negotiations last week, but the lack of agreement forced them to continue with informal consultations. Monir Haidar, a senior aide to the chief adviser, said more informal talks will take place before any final round of formal negotiations is scheduled.