NCP, IAB urge Yunus to stay, make good on reform promises

The National Citizen Party yesterday urged Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to resolve the problems while remaining at the helm, and the Islami Andolan Bangladesh requested him to make reforms, saying his loyalty should lie with the martyrs of July.

The parties are saying these amid reports that Yunus expressed his desire to resign on Thursday.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam wrote on Facebook last night that Prof Yunus must make good on his promises on reforms, justice, and voting rights.

"He must resolve all political problems while remaining in his position," Nahid wrote.

The election will be held within the timeframe given by the government, and the July Charter outlining the fundamental reforms would be drafted before the election, he wrote.

There must be visible justice for the July massacre before the election, and a roadmap to the trial must be announced, he added.

The elections to the Constituent Assembly and National Parliament must be held simultaneously, he added.

Nahid said the country had been repeatedly divided, national unity disrupted, and efforts were on to weaken Bangladesh.

"Since the ban has been imposed on the Awami League, plans are once again being drawn from Delhi to create instability and division in the country. Attempts are underway to obstruct democratic transformation and set the stage for another 1/11 style intervention.

"Patriotic, pro-Bangladesh, and religious students-masses must remain united in favour of sovereignty, reform, and the July uprising. Patriotic military officers and soldiers must be ready to protect sovereignty and Bangladesh," he wrote.

Meanwhile, Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim in a statement said the mass uprising had given the nation an opportunity to rebuild the country through policy, legal, institutional, and administrative reforms.

"This opportunity must not be wasted, and all parties involved in overthrowing fascism must act responsibly and cautiously."

He said that political parties have their demands and interests, but they must refrain from exerting pressure on the interim government to reach their goals. He urged parties to shun the confrontational political culture.

The chief adviser must carry out the crucial task of reform to honour people's sacrifices, he wrote.

"Disregard any pressure, non-cooperation, or obstacles from any party or individual and remain steadfast in fulfilling the responsibilities…," he added.