Ishraque Hossain, a member of BNP's International Affairs Committee, has said that the "minus-two" conspiracy will bear no fruit, as the people of Bangladesh will not permit anyone to execute it.
He also stressed the importance of questioning how Sheikh Hasina, the key figure behind the July-August massacres, managed to escape the country and with whose assistance.
He further highlighted that the interim government's primary responsibilities are to ensure justice for those responsible for the massacres and to facilitate the transfer of power to an elected parliament.
He expressed these views in a special interview with Bangladesh Pratidin on Sunday.
Question: What are your expectations from the current government?
Ishraque Hossain: The interim government inherited a nation in ruins. Naturally, our expectations were high under such circumstances. Some of these expectations have been partially fulfilled. However, there were areas where they could have performed better, such as more robustly controlling law and order and addressing ongoing conspiracies more effectively. Bringing those responsible for the massacres swiftly to justice and ensuring their punishment would have been commendable. The government could have been more stringent in apprehending those still in hiding.
Currently, the interim government's primary responsibilities are twofold: ensuring prompt justice for the perpetrators of the massacres and handing over power to an elected parliament through necessary reforms.
Question: What is your opinion on announcing an election roadmap?
Ishraque Hossain: The government has, in a way, already provided an election roadmap. They have stated that reports from ten reform commissions will be submitted within three months, with this timeline concluding in December. Once these reports are available, Dr. Yunus will engage in dialogue with political parties. This itself constitutes a timeline.
Question: There are demands for Sheikh Hasina to be brought back to face trial. What is your stance on this?
Ishraque Hossain: Sheikh Hasina is a criminal. Since she has fled, the interim government must strive to bring her back to face trial. Alternatively, any future elected government must continue this effort. It is unacceptable for someone responsible for so many killings to escape accountability.
Question: The "minus-two" issue regarding Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman has become a hot topic. What is your view on this?
Ishraque Hossain: To the conspirators, I want to say, If Bangladesh could oust an autocrat like Hasina, then any attempt to depoliticize the nation or lead it down an undemocratic path would be futile. The people of Bangladesh are now highly united. We have fought this battle for the establishment of democracy, the ultimate result of which we witnessed during the July-August Uprising.
Question: How prepared are you for the upcoming parliamentary elections?
Ishraque Hossain: I am always prepared. BNP is an election-oriented, democratic political party. We are perpetually ready for elections. Participating in a national parliamentary election with a week's notice is not a challenge for us.
Question: There have been claims from various quarters that the Awami League will not be allowed to contest the elections. What is your opinion on this?
Ishraque Hossain: My personal opinion is that until the Awami League leaders involved in the July-August massacres are brought to justice, there is no question of them contesting the elections as a political party. They must first face justice, their punishments must be executed, and the international law's stance on whether the Awami League can function as a political entity—similar to the handling of Hitler's and Mussolini's parties—should guide proceedings. A hearing against the Awami League should occur, and the court must decide whether the party is eligible to participate in elections.
Question: Acting chairman Tarique Rahman has often said the upcoming parliamentary election will be challenging. What is your view on these challenges?
Ishraque Hossain: The challenge lies in ensuring that the people can cast their votes in this election. Maintaining the public's trust in BNP is another significant challenge. There isn't a single village in Bangladesh without BNP's organizational activities. However, sometimes central control over certain elements proves difficult. External forces occasionally infiltrate the party to tarnish its reputation. The acting chairman has highlighted these challenges and continues to guide and instruct our leaders and activists.
Question: After 5 August, allegations of irregularities such as extortion and trade against BNP's various affiliate organizations have surfaced. How do you view this?
Ishraque Hossain: Extortion has existed in various forms, albeit more or less, under all regimes in Bangladesh. Over the past 15 years, the Awami League elevated extortion to new heights, establishing absolute dominance through muscle power and corrupting the entire system. When the Awami League suddenly vanished on August 5, it created a vacuum, which some took advantage of. In this scenario, the system itself is more to blame than BNP leaders and activists. Future governments must address extortion in markets, transport sectors, and other areas to eradicate this issue.
Question: Thank you for your valuable time.
Ishraque Hossain: Thank you as well.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
