At a high-level meeting in Dhaka, the Chief Adviser urges unity among political forces to resist fascism and safeguard democratic reforms.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed concern over emerging signs of renewed conspiracies by defeated forces, less than a year after the July uprising. Speaking at a political dialogue on Wednesday afternoon at the state guest house Jamuna, he made a strong appeal for continued political unity to protect the progress made since the transition.

The meeting was attended by leaders of thirteen political parties and coalitions. Participants included Syed Hasibuddin Hossain from the Rastriyo Sanskar Andolon, Zonayed Saki from Ganosamhati Andolon, Mojibur Rahman of the AB Party, Shahidullah Kayser of Nagorik Oikya, Nurul Haque of Gana Odhikar Parishad, Redwan Ahmed of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Ahmad Abdul Quader of Khilafat Majlis, Saiful Haque of the Revolutionary Workers Party, Tania Rob of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Shahadat Hossain Selim representing the 12-Party Alliance, Bazlur Rashid Firoz of the Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASAD), Ruhin Hossain Prince from the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), and Mizanur Rahman of Gano Forum.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Yunus emphasized the importance of political solidarity, noting that while differences of opinion and political rivalry are inevitable, the greater danger remains the re-emergence of authoritarianism. He recalled that the first anniversary of the July uprising was intended to be commemorated with a collective reflection involving all political forces. The planned observance, he said, was aimed at highlighting shared resistance to fascism and reaffirming a commitment to democratic values.

He noted with concern that while some progress had been made, signs of division and complacency could offer openings for anti-democratic elements to regain influence. According to Dr. Yunus, “If we fail to show visible unity against fascist forces, they will interpret our hesitation as an opportunity.”

During the closed-door session, the leaders of the attending parties voiced their shared resolve to resist fascism and reiterated their support for ongoing judicial and electoral reforms under the interim administration. Several leaders called on Dr. Yunus to take a firmer stance on law and order issues, warning that public confidence in the transition could erode unless swift and decisive action is taken against destabilizing elements.

The political figures in attendance also requested more frequent and inclusive consultations between the interim government and political parties in the lead-up to the national elections. They emphasized that open dialogue and consistent engagement would be vital in preserving the momentum of the reform agenda and preventing the re-emergence of past authoritarian tendencies.

Participants agreed that the continued unity of democratic and progressive political forces is essential to maintaining the gains achieved since the upheaval of the previous regime. In their statements, they endorsed the Chief Adviser’s efforts to institutionalize reforms and underscored the need for broad-based political involvement to strengthen electoral credibility and restore public trust in the democratic process.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to hold more regular all-party discussions to monitor the progress of reforms and to maintain a united front in the face of any attempts to reverse the political transformation initiated last year.