Islami Andolan Bangladesh Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim has said Islamist political parties are on the verge of uniting ahead of the next national parliamentary elections.
He described the move as an alliance of patriots and humanitarians coming together under one platform.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s central office on Monday (September 15), where he announced a programme of simultaneous movement, Rezaul Karim said, “After August 5, we declared that Islamic parties would join forces. We have been working towards it and, Alhamdulillah, it is now very close. Such an environment has been created by the grace of Allah.”
He stressed that the planned simultaneous movement is not targeted at any single party but is aimed at addressing broader national issues.
“Several political organisations involved in the anti-fascist movement have already held discussions. After careful consideration and out of respect for the bloodshed in July, we have decided to launch a united programme with specific demands. We will build a simultaneous movement,” he said.
Rezaul Karim expressed scepticism about relying on election manifestos or post-election promises of reform, recalling past experiences. “We saw joint reform pledges in 1990 and many manifestos issued before elections. They all sounded good, but since they had no legal foundation, the promises were never implemented. The July Charter and other reform commitments will also remain hollow unless given a legal basis.”
He further argued that any mass uprising carries sovereign authority, making it imperative to implement the July Charter before elections are held. “National elections must be organised on the basis of the July Charter. Given past experience, it is unrealistic to expect anyone to enforce it after polls. Therefore, the Charter must be legalised swiftly, either through a constitutional order or a referendum,” he said.
The Islami Andolan chief concluded by reaffirming his party’s commitment to pursuing a united political struggle to ensure reforms and accountability.
