Staff Reporter:
Bangladesh Nationalist Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the interim government to announce the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election without further delay and to hold the much-anticipated polls.
“Otherwise, you will be branded as a failed government, and will have to answer to the countrymen,” Fakhrul said while addressing a memorial event in Jashore Town Hall ground on Thursday afternoon.
The programme was organised to mark the seventh death anniversary of the party’s former Standing Committee member and minister Tariqul Islam.
The BNP leader said, “Several political parties are conspiring to foil the election and destabilise the country once again through their programmes, as well as push it toward fascism. But, the people will never accept such attempts.”
Mentioning that fascism was toppled at the cost of many children’s and ordinary citizens’ lives, Fakhrul warned those plotting to restore it that the BNP will stand in their way.
He said the BNP is the party of the people and has reached its current position through sacrifices, braving attacks, facing lawsuits, and enduring imprisonment.
“Do not stir trouble, destabilise the country, or create anarchy,” he warned, without naming any party. “If the BNP takes to the streets, the situation will take a different turn.”
Coming down heavily on the National Consensus Commission, the BNP secretary general said the commission held meetings with political parties, spending Tk83 crore, and that the party shared its views at every meeting.
“On 17 October, the reform proposal was passed at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad with the signatures of all parties. Later, following a meeting of the Advisory Council, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said political parties have been given seven days to reach a consensus on the remaining issues. It seems as if the political parties are merely puppets.”
Fakhrul said that consensus matters have been signed, and the remaining issues will be resolved in parliament.
He urged the government to hold the election without delay.
The BNP leader said the referendum must be held on election day. “No referendum will be allowed before the parliamentary polls,” he added.
