Mahfuj, Hasnat ask July forces to close ranks

Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam and National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah yesterday called for unity among the forces that led the July uprising, urging reconciliation and a renewed focus on national interest.

Mahfuj made a Facebook post in this regard around 4:58pm, amid demands for his resignation by BNP leader Ishraque Hossain and his supporters.

“If I remain in government even for another day, I wish to work with respect and sensitivity toward all forces involved in the [July] uprising,” he wrote.

Without naming anyone, the adviser acknowledged that some of his previous remarks or choice of words may have caused hurt or contributed to division. He stressed that the need of the hour is solidarity among those committed to a democratic transition.

“Unity among patriotic forces is essential. The country is greater than individual ideals, honour, or emotions … If we can discard the divisive slogans and labels of past arrangements — those that have rendered large segments of the population expendable — then I believe the future state can be democratic and inclusive.”

He added that Bangladesh’s enemies are “united and aggressive”, and that the country’s sovereignty and all democratic institutions are under threat.

“The patriotic people who stood united during the July uprising now face a long test — a test of unity and patience. We must overcome this test.”

Around 7:55pm, Hasnat Abdullah, chief coordinator (South) of the NCP, echoed Mahfuj’s message.

In his Facebook post, he wrote, “The division that had unexpectedly arisen among us must be resolved in the interest of the country and the nation. To safeguard the independence and sovereignty of this country, and to free ourselves from the vile, anti-national conspiracies of fallen fascism, we must remain united.”

He warned that both domestic and international actors displeased with the fall of “Awami fascism” are exploiting these divisions to destabilise the country.

“It was because we stood united that we could dismantle a powerful fascist regime of over fifteen years. If we become fragmented, that fallen fascism and its local and foreign allies will attempt to tear us apart.

“It was out of a sense of responsibility and love for the country and the nation that we stood together against fascism. Now, for the sake of that same country and nation, we must unite once again to rebuild our homeland.

“This unity is not for the interest of any individual or group — rather, there is no alternative to our unity for the sake of the country.”