Yunus to meet political parties on Saturday, talk reforms

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and other advisers will meet political leaders on 5 October as the interim government is set to convene a meeting to discuss its ongoing reform initiatives. 

"The government will provide updates on the progress of six reform commissions and welcome recommendations from participating parties," said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy today (2 October).

The current law and order situation will also be on the agenda, he noted. 

When asked about the duration of the dialogue and whether it would involve all parties on the same day, Alam indicated that decisions regarding the extension of discussions would be made during the meeting itself.

On 19 September, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul said that the interim government would not engage in discussions about state reforms with the Awami League, citing the party's involvement in "genocide" during the student-led mass uprising. 

He clarified that talks would instead focus on other political parties, civil society organisations, professional groups, and student organisations.

"The reform commissions are expected to submit their reports by 31 December, after which the council of advisers will consult with political parties once again," said Alam. 

He emphasised that the interim government welcomes constructive criticism, asserting that the council represents the people and that no one is above accountability.

Responding to another query regarding the situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the press secretary stated that the CHT is a large area and he did not believe an unstable situation is currently prevailing in the region. "The situation is far better now," he added.