A meeting of AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury-led Jukto Front and Dr Kamal Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Prokriya is underway with a BNP representative as an observer.
Former minister and BNP Vice Chairman Iqbal Mahmud Tuku is representing his party in the meeting at Bikalpa Dhara chief B Chowdhury’s Baridhdara residence.
Last week, Jukto Front and Jatiya Oikya Prokriya formally announced forging of a “greater national unity” to ensure that people elect their representatives through a fair election.
The national unity also aims at what they said to ensure a functional democracy in the country.
Following the announcement, senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, joined a citizens’ rally called by Dr Kamal Hossain on Saturday.
Tuesday’s meeting at B Chowdhury’s residence is being attended by JSD chief ASM Abdur Rab, General Secretary Abdul Malek Baten, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Bikalpa Dhara Joint Secretary General Mahi B Chowdhury and Pro-BNP professionals’ leader Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury among others.
“Dr Kamal could not attend the meeting due to his physical condition, but two other Gano Forum leaders, including Jatiya Oikya Prokriya’s Member Secretary ABM Mostafa Amin has joined the meeting,” B Chowdhury’s press secretary Jahangir Alam told Bangla Tribune.
Bikalpa Dhara will unveil a set of proposals in Tuesday’s meeting.
“We have come up with our proposals on the process of a national unity, which will be handed to coalition partners,” Joint Secretary General Mahi B Chowdhury told Bangla Tribune.
According to people familiar with the matter, the proposal includes that the coalition will not allow political parties with any kind of ties with anti-Liberation parties or elements. The clause clearly indicates the BNP, which has the Jamaat-e-Islami as its ally.
It also includes that absolute majority in parliament does not benefit the country and a national unity has to be formed among balance of power between the House, government and president.