Former Dhaka University VC Emajuddin Ahmed.
In the changed political context, Khaleda Zia no more needs the Jamaat-e-Islami as an ally, says a pro-BNP professional who is known to be an adviser to her.
Speaking at a discussion on Tuesday, former Dhaka University VC Emajuddin Ahamed described Jamaat as a ‘liability’.
“It seems that a political party is the major obstacle to a national unity…Khaleda Zia has already decided that the 20-Party alliance does not need that party,” he claimed.
BNP chief Khaleda has called for a national unity against militancy after terrorists killed at least 22 persons in an attack on a cafe in Gulshan last month.
Awami League has brushed aside the call, saying a national unity has already been forged and there is no need to include ‘terrorists’ in it, in a veiled reference to the Jamaat.
Since then, BNP has been trying to form a new alliance by keeping Jamaat and other Islamist parties away.
Some pro-BNP professionals have also suggested ditching Jamaat.
Barrister Rafiq-Ul Huq, Professor Emajuddin and Ganasasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury advised the BNP to take political parties other than Jamaat on board in the national unity initiative.
Emajuddin on Tuesday said, “It (Jamaat) has become a liability. It’s not an asset now. So, if take this view into consideration, there is no obstacle (to keeping the party out of the alliance).”
He said most of those in the Jamaat leadership have been born after the Liberation War, which the party opposed.
“They should also think – if the national unity fails because of them (being in the alliance), why should they want it (to remain in the alliance),” he added.
The BNP formed a four-party alliance with Jamaat before the 2001 general elections.
It became a 20-Party Alliance before the 2014 election.
Source: Bd news24
Not too much talking. Since Awami League disappointed common people, in the current unprecedented crisis of Bangladesh, people expect strategic moves from BNP and Khaleda Zia.
There is a lot to learn from Mamata Banerjee how charismatic a leader can be to move people. On a daily basis Khaleda Zia may decide to do the following to bring about a national unity to fight militancy/terrorism:
1. Pay personal visits to political, civil society and religious leaders and appeal for a united national front rather than inviting them for tea/coffee. People like Asif Nazrul or Junaid Saki should not be forgotten.
2. Also make a visit to Hasina and appeal to her to stand with the people in this national crisis. It’s up to Hasina to decide whatever she wants to decide. Khaleda has nothing to lose as people will see everything.
3. After this homework, call for an all party all people human chain against militancy and terrorism which will be the biggest and largest human chain in the history of Bangladesh. Streets will be filled with people to bring shiver to the wrong-doers.