A new Bangladesh be born thru festive Feb elections

Consensus must to rebuild nation, resist fascism

FE REPORT | Published: September 14, 2025 23:11:12

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus urges political parties to embrace consensus on the July Charter of governance changes as the only route to rebuild the nation and block the restoration of authoritarianism.
The head of post-uprising government of Bangladesh, at a conclave with political parties long squabbling over some major points of reform, alerts that the historic opportunity created by the recent student-led uprising must not be squandered on "small things".
Speaking at the National Consensus Commission meeting with political parties Sunday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on the legal framework and implementation modus operandi of the July Charter, Yunus invoked the story of Aladdin's magic lamp to frame the challenge.
"Through this mass uprising a genie has been created. What will we ask of him? Will we ask him for tea, or will we ask him to change the world? We will remake this nation completely differently. Let us not get stuck on small things and lose sight of the larger aim," the Nobel laureate told the party leaders at the consultation in final stages before adoption.
The Commission, formed as a response to months of street protests, has no precedent in Bangladesh's political history. Yunus admits that even its architects were unsure where it would lead, but notes that the discussions had already demonstrated a seriousness of purpose that could inspire others.
"After a long journey I feel a shiver -- I am overwhelmed. This will not remain only a Bangladesh experience; other countries will take note of the method we have adopted. May this precedent not be a flawed one."
The Chief Adviser reaffirms that the general election will be held in the first half of February, and asserts that the significance of the polls would go far beyond a transfer of power, if held on the basis of national consensus in the making.
"It will be a celebratory election if we are able to make these decisions. It will be the true rebirth of the nation -- this is more than an election. So much sacrifice, so much blood, so much self-offering -- these will be worthwhile if we achieve that rebirth," he told the politicians.
Yunus argues that sweeping reforms are essential to prevent reemergence of authoritarian rule stemmed through the uprising. "Why are we needing so many reforms? To close all paths so that authoritarianism cannot emerge. To close the road to that authoritarianism we must work together in agreement. There is no room for dissent here."
He cautions against endless quarrelling. "If we leave it in debate, who knows when this debate will explode and who will take advantage of it and steer things in different directions."
Calling on leaders to seal agreements in good faith, he said: "Whenever you make a decision, do it with embraces and handshakes. Then elections and everything else will be meaningful."
Yunus praised the political parties for engaging with the Commission despite initial uncertainty about its role.
"You have set a unique example, there is not the slightest doubt. We will give that genie the greatest task -- one that no one will ever have the chance to ask for again; we get it only once. We will place all the hopes of our hearts on his shoulders."
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com