BNP Central Executive Committee member Hasan Mamun has warned that creating a backdrop for the return of the Awami League and other undemocratic forces would be detrimental to all. He urged political platforms such as the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami not to bring irrelevant issues into the discourse, which may create division in the movement for national unity centred around the July Charter.
In a statement to the media, Mamun said, "Introducing unexpected issues at this moment will not only undermine national unity but also risk destabilising democracy and the upcoming elections. This would ultimately pave the way for the return of destructive forces, including the Awami League."
He cautioned that such a development would be particularly damaging to the anti-discrimination student movement and the NCP, urging both them and the nation to remain vigilant.
Mamun clarified that BNP was never fundamentally opposed to the July Charter. Instead, he said, the party had concerns about suspending or abolishing the Constitution under the pretext of the charter, which could create an abnormal political situation and open the door for unconstitutional interference in Bangladesh’s governance.
"BNP had taken a technical stance on the charter," he said. "Now that the government's position is clear about not suspending the Constitution, BNP is showing willingness to sign the July Charter."
However, Mamun criticised the political platform of the anti-discrimination student movement, NCP, and Jamaat-e-Islami, among others, for bringing unexpected and irrelevant matters into the discussion, putting the July Charter and national unity at risk.
According to him, such actions are inadvertently creating a platform for the discredited Awami League to re-enter politics, both in anti-government movements and national elections.
Mamun expressed concern over the shifting priorities of the NCP, accusing its leaders of focusing more on national politics and power-sharing than on their original commitment to addressing student discrimination. He alleged that some NCP members were now involved in corruption and government projects, which harms both the nation and their credibility.
He said this power-centric attitude is becoming a major obstacle to free and fair elections and risks alienating the public, who had once supported their cause.
Mamun added that the uncertainty surrounding NCP's role in electoral politics has also caused confusion within the government. He urged everyone — including Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus and NCP leaders — to uphold democratic values, honour the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising, and respect the people's demand for a free and fair election.
