People do not want confrontational politics: Amir Khasru

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the people of Bangladesh no longer want confrontational politics. they want stability.

He made the remark on Saturday November 8 while speaking at a dialogue titled “The role of political parties in preparing technology-based election manifestos” organised by Trace Consultancy at a hotel in Dhaka.

Amir Khasru said, “Everyone has the right to protest, but frequent street movements create the risk of clashes. If one party takes to the streets and another protests against it, conflict is inevitable. Have we bid farewell to Sheikh Hasina only to return to confrontational politics again?”

Although he did not name any party, political observers believe his comment was directed towards Jamaat-e-Islami, which has recently become active on the streets with a five-point demand including a referendum. BNP leaders see Jamaat’s programmes as attempts to block the electoral process.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad was also present at the dialogue. Sitting beside him, Amir Khasru said, “Political parties are suffering from a kind of obsession. Some politicians believe that anything outside their own agenda or demands is unacceptable.”

He added, “Political parties must respect whatever consensus has been reached and act accordingly. Creating new issues means showing disrespect to consensus. Implementation also requires consensus.”

Amir Khasru alleged that an autocratic mindset has developed in the country during Sheikh Hasina’s long rule. He said, “We think that nothing is acceptable beyond our own ideas or demands, this mindset is the root of political crises.”

Regarding the referendum issue, the BNP leader said, “This government is formed on the basis of the Constitution. The current Constitution does not include any provision for a referendum. If a referendum is to be held, it must follow a constitutional amendment with the people’s mandate in Parliament.”

He expressed concern that, “Some are raising these issues to delay the election. Even the recent killing in Chattogram may be used as an excuse to postpone the electoral process.”

The dialogue was moderated by Shahab Enam Khan, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Indo-Pacific Affairs. Other speakers included the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque and former DUCSU Vice-President Sadiq Kayem. The event was presided over by Trace Consultancy Chief Executive Fuad M Khalid Hossain.