JS, constituent assembly polls can be held together

The next national election could be held simultaneously as both legislative and constituent assembly polls, said National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam yesterday. 

Speaking at an iftar event organised by the NCP, he said that the election could pave the way for drafting a new constitution, facilitating a transition towards democracy. 

The event, held at the InterContinental Hotel in the capital, was attended by anti-fascist politicians, students, labourers, scholars, activists, professionals, and eminent citizens. 

Nahid said the NCP believes the election process can be completed within the timeline set by the government. 

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has previously said that the elections could take place by December this year or in the first half of next year. However, Nahid emphasised the need to improve law and order before holding the polls. 

"For free and fair elections, the army, police, bureaucracy, and media must remain neutral, and their institutional impartiality must be ensured," he added. 

He also called for effective government measures to ensure women's safety, combat corruption and extortion, and tackle violence against women. 

"Recently, we have observed attempts to portray Bangladesh and Islam negatively on the global stage. The government must take a firm stance against terrorism and extremism, and we must also reinforce this position through social and political platforms," Nahid added. 

He urged all political parties to unite in support of democracy and national harmony while opposing corruption and "Mujibism". 

"The dangers facing Bangladesh have not yet subsided. Anti-Bangladesh forces are still conspiring.

"Military and civilian bureaucracies, mafia business groups, and foreign powers could exploit disunity among politicians and mass uprising forces," he said. 

Nahid also demanded swift and visible trials against "fascists". "Through this justice, we aim to politically address the Awami League's actions," he said. 

He stressed that the National Consensus Commission must expedite the implementation of the July Charter. He added that the interim government could quickly implement recommendations from public administration and the police through ordinances.

NCP Member Secretary Akther Hossen urged all political parties to unite in demanding the trial of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League, accusing them of genocide and mass killings. 

Hasnat Abdullah, NCP's chief organiser for the southern region, called for unity to ensure a democratic transition. 

The iftar event was attended by BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, Nagarik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Hefajat-e-Islam leader Mamunul Haque, Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh Presidium Member Ashraf Ali Akon. 

Poet, writer, and thinker Farhad Mazhar, The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam, Kaler Kantho Editor Hasan Hafiz, Supreme Court Bar Association President Mahbub Uddin Khokon, and leaders of various student organisations also attended.