Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday described the National Consensus Commission (NCC) as a “unique example” and said its progress marks a major achievement in the country’s political journey.

He expressed hope that the upcoming election will be held in a peaceful and festive manner, terming it the beginning of a new journey for Bangladesh.

“An opportunity is given to us, make sure that we do not lose anything big by getting stuck in relatively minor issues,” he said, adding that the nation must march forward.

Prof Yunus stressed the need for reforms to ensure that no autocrat can reemerge. “If we want to stop autocrats we need to do it jointly. There is space for disagreement. We can’t finish the task keeping differences. My earnest appeal to you all, hug each other when you will finalise the July Charter,” he said.

The Chief Adviser said there should be no worries about entering the election process. “We have built the highway. We will follow this path and our destination is very clear,” he said, noting that this opportunity will not come again. “This is the only opportunity. There is no scope to deviate from it.”

Speaking at the same programme, Prof Ali Riaz urged political parties to protect and strengthen their unity to ensure full implementation of the National July Charter.

He warned that fascist forces and their allies are still attempting to obstruct the state reform process. “Still, some things remain undone. We’ll definitely be able to reach a final conclusion in the coming months by continuing and protecting the trend of cooperation among the political parties,” he said.

The NCC expects political parties to uphold the spirit of unity, he added. “We must protect, continue and move forward this unity to take forward the achievement we’ve gained. We think it would be identified as a milestone in terms of the change in the political culture of Bangladesh.”