Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan, warned that labeling Bangladesh’s electoral process as part of an “Indian agenda” is a dangerous narrative.
He emphasized that reforms, justice, and elections are internal necessities for the country—not something imposed from outside.
Saki made these remarks on Sunday morning while presiding over a memorial event at the National Press Club in Dhaka, marking the eighth death anniversary of Advocate Abdus Salam, the first Executive Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan.
The event featured a discussion titled “Immediately Announce a Clear Roadmap for Justice, Reform, and Elections.”
Saki cautioned against interpreting calls for elections in Bangladesh—whether by Indian media or politicians—as a reflection of India`s interests. “Such assumptions are extremely dangerous,” he said. “Claiming that the demand for elections aligns with India’s agenda risks dividing the national unity that has formed in opposition to the authoritarian regime backed by India. This narrative ultimately serves fascist interests and helps rehabilitate them.”
Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, added that those who once enabled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarianism are now seeking new arrangements to maintain their influence. “They’re watering the roots of fascism to revive it,” he stated.
He also noted a concerning level of division among pro-uprising forces, saying, “No frontline leaders of previous uprisings were ever this controversial. It`s troubling that today’s youth are getting involved in unwanted behavior.”
Commenting on the Chief Advisor’s claim from Japan that “no party except one wants elections in December,” Haque argued the opposite may be true and criticized the statement as lacking factual basis.
Other speakers at the event included Mujibur Rahman Manju (AB Party President), Rashed Khan (General Secretary, Gono Adhikar Parishad), Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu (Chairman, Bhashani Janashakti Party), Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan (General Secretary, JSD), Hasnat Kaiyum (Chief Coordinator, Rashtra Songskaar Andolan), and Fayzul Hakim Lala (General Secretary, Jatiya Mukti Council).
