BNP’s Khosru stresses unity among political parties

He says if politics is pursued by undermining relationships, the country would regress to old political cultures

Senior BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said no divisions exist among political parties in the country.

He said this during a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in Ramna, Dhaka on Sunday.

“Many claim there is division among us. I believe there is none. Each party has its own philosophy, vision, and framework, so everything cannot align perfectly,” Khosru said.

“Otherwise, we would have become a single entity like BAKSAL. Each party will present its manifesto to the people and seek their mandate.”

The discussion coincided with disagreements over a public referendum on implementing the July National Charter. While most parties agree on holding a referendum, they differ on the date.

The BNP and several other parties suggest it could be held with the parliamentary elections in February, whereas the Jamaat-e-Islami and some others advocate for November.

Khosru stressed that substantial reforms sought by the BNP will be achieved through the next election.

“Changes will come via the public mandate in the next parliamentary elections. Major reforms won’t happen overnight; these must be discussed in public discourse.

“Issues unresolved today may be addressed six months or even a year later, following established democratic practices as in Western countries.”

Emphasising the importance of elections, he said: “There is no alternative to elections. They serve as a correction and filtration process. We must not obstruct this democratic trajectory.

“Differences will be settled through public mandate, not through street confrontations or retaliation. That would take us back to the era of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarianism.”

Khosru added, “We must restore democratic order. Political engagement must be people-focused, not violent. If we undermine our relationships while practising politics, we return to the old culture of conflict.”