We, the representatives of participating Islamic political parties, Islamic organizations, Islamic institutions, scholars, academics, social organizations and community institutions in Bangladesh, recognizing our shared values and common responsibilities toward society, express our collective intention to establish the Bangladesh Islamic Leadership Caucus (BILC) as a voluntary platform for consultation, cooperation, coordination and public service.
We recognize that the Islamic institutional landscape of Bangladesh contains legitimate diversity. Our organizations may differ in political programs, strategies, interpretations, institutional structures and approaches to contemporary issues. We do not consider such differences, by themselves, to be an obstacle to cooperation.
Instead, we believe that responsible leadership requires the ability to identify areas of common ground and work together for the welfare of society.
Accordingly, we seek to establish the BILC as a platform where participating organizations can meet in a spirit of mutual respect and consultation.
The BILC shall not seek to replace existing political parties or organizations. It shall not require participating organizations to abandon their identities or independent programs. It shall not claim authority over the internal affairs of its members.
Rather, it shall provide a common institutional space for dialogue, consultation, cooperation, research, leadership development, social service and humanitarian coordination.
We therefore commit ourselves to building relationships based upon mutual respect, responsible dialogue, peaceful engagement, ethical leadership, knowledge, accountability and service.
We further recognize that Bangladesh faces complex challenges requiring contributions from political leaders, scholars, educators, professionals, young people, civil-society organizations and community institutions.
The BILC seeks to provide a platform through which Islamic leadership can contribute constructively to addressing those challenges.
Our common aspiration is not simply to create another institution. It is to create a culture of cooperation.
A culture where organizations can disagree responsibly. A culture where political competition does not prevent humanitarian cooperation. A culture where scholarship informs leadership. A culture where young people are prepared for responsible citizenship. A culture where public service is valued above institutional rivalry. And a culture where Islamic leadership contributes positively to the peace, development, dignity and prosperity of Bangladesh.
Therefore, we declare our intention to establish BANGLADESH ISLAMIC LEADERSHIP CAUCUS (BILC) as a voluntary national platform for mutual consultation, constructive cooperation, institutional dialogue, leadership development, research, social welfare and national service, subject to the applicable laws and constitutional framework of Bangladesh.
“United in Values, Respectful in Differences, Committed to Service.”