Dhaka: Aiming to forge an anti-terrorism unity and 'restore democracy', BNP is going to formulate a framework to bring all the parties outside the ruling party alliance into a single and united platform.

As per the plan, a number of senior BNP leaders said a party team, led by its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will soon contact different political parties, civil society members and professional bodies to know their position and opinions about such a platform under the current context of the country.

Later, the framework will be formulated with focus on two issues -- anti-terrorism unity and restoration of democracy -- in consultation with the parties to be agreed to join it.

The framework will be unveiled through holding a national convention, said the party leaders, adding that all parties, including Awami Leagues and its alliance partners, will be invited to join it.

They said BNP may not involve the 20-party partners with this initiative as the most progressive political parties and intellectuals and professionals have strong objection to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

‘It can be a fresh platform. Some partners of the 20-party alliance, including Jamaat, may be dropped from it. But, everything will depend on the opinions and desires of all other parties and individuals now outside the BNP-led alliance,’ said a party standing committee member wishing anonymity.

He said Jamaat is now the main barrier to float a new platform with progressive people under BNP's leadership. ‘Some 20-party alliance leaders and intellectuals during their meetings with our chairperson suggested her either to abandon Jamaat or take a strategy to keep it out of the planned new platform. She'll hopefully work on it and find out an effective solution.’

A party vice chairman said parties like Gano Forum, Bikalpa Dhara, Krishak Sramik Janata League and ASM Abdur Rab-led Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and some professionals may join their platform if the Jamaat is not there.

Contacted, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said they have started working for forging a national unity with all parties to overcome the militancy problem and restore democracy. ‘We want unity with all parties, including Awami League, but they must come forward with a positive attitude.’

Fakhrul said the country's current situation will deepen further if the political parties cannot play a responsible role at this crucial time. ‘So, we're working to unite the nation as per the call of our chairperson to resist militancy and restore democracy.’

BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said they have started completing the ground work to bring people of all strata irrespective of their party, opinion and faiths under a single platform.

He said the BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia has taken the opinions and suggestions from senior leaders of BNP and her alliance and professionals. ‘Now she is likely to hold another meeting with the party senior leaders to finalise the strategy to hold a convention for forming the united platform.’

The BNP leader said they want Awami League to join the platform in the interest of the country. ‘We won't sit idle if they don't respond to our call. We'll play our due political duty to save the country from extremism and terrorism.’

Asked whether they will leave Jamaat for a greater unity, he said they will decide it after assessing the overall situation and the opinions of others.

BNP vice chairman Abdullah Al Noman said their party has taken stern stance against terrorism and militancy. ‘There're also many parties in the country who want to work for resisting militancy and restoration of democracy. So, we want to bring those parties under a single platform to work together on the two issues.’

Pro-BNP professional Professor Emajuddin Ahmed said he suggested the BNP chief during a meeting with her to invite all parties, including Awami League, and eminent citizens, through sending formal letters to forge a national unity. ‘She responded positively.’

He also said BNP should abandon Jamaat at this time if the party is the main obstacle to forge a national unity.