Political consensus a must on aid corridor: NCP

The government must hold discussions with the political parties before finalising any decision on the proposed humanitarian channel to send aid to Myanmar's Rakhine, National Citizen Party Member Secretary Akhter Hossain said yesterday.

"Whether a humanitarian corridor is needed, who will control that corridor, and what kind of movement will take place through it -- all these issues must be discussed with political parties before any decision is made," he said.

Akhter made the comments while addressing the inaugural ceremony of NCP's youth wing, Jatiya Juboshakti, at Abrar Fahad Avenue in the capital's Gulistan area.

"Because it is the people of Bangladesh who will determine the country's future. No foreign lords will be allowed to interfere in our politics," he said.

He called upon the government to ensure that decisions related to Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty, and national security are taken in consultation with all political parties.

The NCP leader also urged anti-fascist forces to continue their fight against fascism, oppression, and authoritarianism despite their ideological differences. "The people do not wish to rehabilitate the Awami League."

Akhter said that the country is at a critical juncture after the spontaneous participation of students and people ensured the success of the July uprising.

"Yet, some domestic quarters and foreign actors are struggling to accept the decisions taken by the interim government, including the banning of the Awami League's activities," he said.

Akhter called on the Indian government "to sever ties" with the Awami League, calling the party "autocratic, fascist, dictatorial, mass-killer, and anti-humanitarian criminal".

"India must build relationships with the people of this country," he added.

NCP Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary also spoke at the event.

Supreme Court lawyer Tariqul Islam has been appointed as the convenor of the 131-member convening committee of Jatiya Juboshokti.

Physician Zahedul Islam has been named member-secretary. Engineer Farhad Sohel has been selected as the chief organiser.

Tuhin Mahmud has been made senior joint convenor, while Dyuti Arannya Chowdhury and Nahida Bushra will serve as senior joint member-secretaries.

Zahedul said the names of the remaining members of the convening committee would be announced through a press release soon.