‘Govt may not be sincere in holding polls’
The BNP has expressed doubts about the interim government's sincerity in holding the next national election.
Pointing the finger at the advisers of the government, the party also said that if they allow "fascists" to participate in the national polls for their own interests, the people and the BNP will not accept it.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The BNP said while it welcomes the formation of a new political party, it cannot accept the advisers remaining in power to float the party. It urged the head of the government to address the issue immediately and take appropriate action.
"The people of the country want to return to a democratic environment. However, even after seven months, we have not been able to achieve that because the interim government is trying to complete some tasks before holding the polls,"said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
"But in the meantime, some doubts have arisen among the people -- whether they [the government] are sincere about the polls," he added while speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in the capital's Krishibid Institution auditorium yesterday afternoon.
He criticised LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan for his comments made on Tuesday that Awami League leaders could participate in the elections after apologising to the public.
"This proves that they [advisers] now want to give those fascists a place for their own interests. It is dangerous. Does this mean we should believe they are using various strategies to organise their party by remaining in the government?
"We will not allow it, and the people of this country will not allow it," Fakhrul said.
The BNP would welcome the formation of any political party, he said, adding, "This does not mean that you [advisers] will form your party while in government, taking advantage of government facilities. This will never be accepted."
The BNP leader also urged the interim government and its chief to act immediately, cautioning that "otherwise, public trust in you will be lost".
Recalling his earlier remarks about neutrality in the interim government, Fakhrul said, "When I first pointed out that if the government loses neutrality, another neutral administration will be required, I was criticised. But now, it is being proven."
"At that time, one of the advisers said, 'I'm focusing on 1/11 situation'. We are the victims of it."
"I want to issue a warning again: if anyone thinks of such situations and attempts are made to establish a one-party rule, the people will never accept it."
Fakhrul also highlighted the role of student politics in building a new Bangladesh.
"...In our assessment, nearly 2,000 young individuals have sacrificed their lives in the movement [July uprising], with 800 of them belonging to Chhatra Dal. In my home district of Thakurgaon, nine lives were lost, and seven of them were Chhatra Dal activists.
"Therefore, those who claim that Chhatra Dal or the BNP had no role in this movement should carefully examine the facts and get a proper understanding of the situation before making such statements."
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