January 17, 2025
DHAKA – Leaders from 14 political parties, including the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), and the 12-party alliance, today boycotted a dialogue with various political groups held to discuss the proclamation of July uprising.
The parties cited inadequate time, lack of proper preparations, and a problem with the invitation process as reasons for their absence in the meeting.
Meanwhile the 12-party alliance at a press conference termed the process of conducting the discussion a “staged drama.”
The all-party meeting, aimed at finalising the proclamation of the July uprising, was held at 4:30pm at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Leaders of 16 parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Jatiya Nagorik Committee participated in the discussion.
However, in a statement, CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said he received an anonymous text message about the meeting at 1:29pm today, just hours before the meeting.
“The message requested us to send a representative to share our perspective on a draft proclamation, but it is unrealistic to consult our alliance and other democratic groups on such an important matter within such a short time,” he said.
“Considering these, the CPB decided not to attend the meeting,” he added.
Talking to The Daily Star, Razekuzzaman Ratan, assistant general secretary of BSD, said, “Proper preparation was essential. It is doubtful whether the invitation was even formal. Without adequate preparation, we cannot present our opinions.”
The 12-party alliance, who previously organised joint movements with the BNP against the ousted Awami League government, expressed frustration over the meeting invitation.
“We believe a staged drama is being performed at the Foreign Service Academy today,” said Syed Ehsanul Huda, coordinator of the alliance, during a press conference.
Shahadat Hossain Selim, spokesperson for the alliance, has criticised the government for its handling of the invitation process.
“If an all-party meeting is to be held, those who have fought for 16 years should be prioritised. They deserve a formal invitation, not an SMS sent at 10:00pm. A state cannot operate this way,” he said.
The 12-party alliance includes a faction of Jatiya Party, LDP-Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jatiya Dal, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party, and Bangladesh Labour Party, among others.