January 17, 2025
Dhaka – Leaders of 14 political parties, including the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh People's Democratic Union (BSD) and the Twelve-Party Alliance, today boycotted talks with various political groups to discuss declaring the July uprising.
Reasons for parties' absence from meetings include lack of time, lack of preparation, and problems with the invitation process.
At the same time, the 12-party alliance called the discussion process a “stage play” at a press conference.
The all-party meeting aimed at finally declaring the July Intifada was held at Dhaka Diplomatic Academy at 4:30 pm and chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Leaders of 16 political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Islamic Andolan Party, and PPP Committee, participated in the discussion.
However, CPB Secretary General Ruhin Hossain Prince said in a statement that he received a message regarding the meeting at 1.29pm today, hours before the meeting. Anonymous text messages.
“The message requires us to send a representative to share our views on the draft proclamation, but it is unrealistic to consult our coalition and other democratic groups on such an important issue at such short notice,” he said.
“With this in mind, the CPB decided not to attend the meeting,” he added.
BSD Assistant Secretary General Razekuzzaman Ratan told The Daily Star: “Proper preparation is crucial. It is doubtful whether the invitation is formal. Without adequate preparation, we will not be able to put forward our opinions. .
The 12-party alliance, which had previously organized a joint campaign with the BNP against the ousted Awami League government, expressed disappointment at the conference invitation.
“We believe that a drama is taking place at the Diplomatic Academy today,” Syed Ehsanul Huda, coordinator of the alliance, told a news conference.
Shahada Hussein Selim, spokesman for the coalition, criticized the government's handling of the invitation process.
“If there is to be an all-party meeting, priority should be given to those who have struggled for 16 years. They should get a formal invitation, not a text message sent at 10:00 at night. A country cannot function in this way,” he said.
The 12-party alliance includes factions such as the People's Party, Bangladesh Liberal Democratic Party, Bangladesh People's Party, Bangladesh Bikar Padala Party, Jatyagano Tantri Party and Bangladesh Labor Party.
