Staff Correspondent:

Mahfuz Alam, adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, on Thursday called for a united front among pro-democracy and patriotic forces, saying that the nation must come before personal ideologies, egos, and emotions.

In a Facebook post, Alam said the current political juncture demands humility, sensitivity, and a shift away from the divisive rhetoric of the past. “National interest is greater than personal ideals, honour, or emotions,” he wrote.

He expressed “sincere regret” for any previous remarks or language that may have contributed to division, acknowledging that past political slogans and labels had sometimes rendered large segments of the population as enemies, or even targets of violence.

“If I remain in government even a day longer, I want to work with due respect and sensitivity toward all the forces behind the uprising,” he stated, referring to the mass movement that toppled the previous Awami League regime in August 2024.

Alam emphasised that discarding outdated, polarising slogans and labels—those that fueled exclusion and hostility—was essential for building a truly democratic and inclusive state. “Only then can we hope for a future state that is both democratic and inclusive,” he said.

Warning of persistent external and internal threats, Alam said the enemies of Bangladesh are “united and aggressive” and that the country’s sovereignty and democratic institutions remain under serious threat.

He called on citizens who supported the July uprising to remain steadfast. “This is a test of unity and patience,” he wrote. “And we must pass this test.”