Staff Reporter:
Amid the ongoing dispute between BNP leaders and advisers of the interim government over an immediate election following minimal reforms, party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, said that the nation will be disappointed if a political party is formed under the patronisation of the ruling quarter.
“BNP welcomes the formation of a new political party but the countrymen will be disappointed if it is formed under the patronisation of the government and its administration,” Tarique said while addressing a programme held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, on Saturday.
While virtually addressing the programme organised to mark the National Teachers’ Day from London, Tarique said, “It will be unwanted for the people if attitudes or verbal statements of any political party seem quarrelsome and vindictive.”
“The youth will march forward on a transparent path, steering clear of questionable ones,” he expressed with optimism, adding that his party supports both reforms and elections simultaneously.
Claiming that an unfair argument is ongoing over whether elections or reforms should come first, the BNP leader said that managing people’s families has become more important than implementing the government’s reform initiatives.
Referring to the price spiral of the daily essentials, he said the government is capable of freeing the market from the influence of the syndicate but it is being failed that creates numerous questions in the people’s minds.
Earlier on Thursday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir while addressing a programme at the National Press Club in Dhaka, said, “If the interim government fails to remain neutral, a neutral administration will be necessary during the election.”
Responding to the remarks within hours, Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Adviser Md. Nahid Islam said, “The BNP secretary general’s demand suggests the formation of another 1/11 government, which marked the introduction of fascism in the country.”