Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday urged all political parties to take a firm and unified stance against the “fallen fascist” Awami League, warning that its recent rhetoric poses an “existential threat” to the nation’s democratic future.

“It’s time for all political parties to take a clear position regarding Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. The way she continues to brand those who joined the July Uprising as terrorists is deeply alarming,” Shafiqul said.

He made the remarks at a policy dialogue titled “How Political Parties Can Use Technology to Reflect Citizens’ Aspirations in Election Manifestos”, organized by TRACE Consulting at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, TRACE CEO Fuad M Khalid Hossain, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, and DUCSU Vice President Sadik Kayem were among the speakers.

Criticizing Sheikh Hasina’s recent interviews with international media, Shafiqul said, “Her rhetoric labeling the people of Bangladesh as terrorists is a dangerous signal. When someone is branded a terrorist, they are marked as expendable. Is she trying to return to power by declaring 180 million citizens as enemies?”

Referring to journalist Enayetullah Khan’s writings, he added, “Enayetullah Khan once said Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made 65 million collaborators — now his daughter is calling 180 million people terrorists. It’s unthinkable.”

Shafiqul warned that Bangladesh is facing an “existential political crisis” and called on all parties to unite to safeguard democracy.

Regarding the upcoming national election, he affirmed, “The government is fully committed to holding the election in the first half of February. There should be no uncertainty about that.”

He said debates surrounding the July Charter and governance reforms are part of a healthy democratic process. “Everywhere in the world, constitutional debates take time — sometimes decades. Consensus cannot be imposed overnight,” he noted.

“If political parties fail to reach a conclusion, the Interim Government will take necessary decisions as per its mandate to ensure the election process remains free from uncertainty,” Shafiqul added.

Emphasizing the need for a democratic settlement inclusive of all groups — right, left, or center — he said, “Without democratic trust, there will be no positive international message, no foreign direct investment, and no job growth.”

The panel discussion was conducted by Professor Dr. Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University’s International Relations Department. Diplomats, election experts, civil society representatives, and leaders from major political parties attended the event.