The government has agreed to conduct the national election by December, and preparations are already underway to achieve this goal. The roadmap for the election and reforms may be announced by February 15, as assured by the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir shared this information following a meeting with the country’s leading political party, BNP, at the State Guest House Jamuna last night.
The meeting began at 6 p.m., where Mirza Fakhrul led a three-member delegation from BNP. The other two members were Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
On the other hand, the Chief Adviser was accompanied by Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul , Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, and Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan.
After more than an hour and a half of the meeting, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir briefed the media and said, "The Chief Adviser and his team have reassured us that they are taking immediate steps to organize the national election. They have stated that they are working to ensure the election takes place by December. We expect him to announce a roadmap that reflects the people's expectations, and we look forward to the election being completed by December."
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also expressed concerns over the recent situation in the country, especially regarding incidents involving law enforcement agencies that have worsened the law and order situation. This has allowed fascists to speak out freely.
He stressed the importance of removing individuals who are allies of dictatorship from the administration and ensuring that law enforcement personnel engaged in wrongful activities face legal consequences.
Along with requesting the government’s cooperation, Mirza Fakhrul emphasized the urgency of the elections. BNP leaders also asked for a clear election roadmap, to which the Chief Adviser assured that one would be provided by February 15.
In response to a question, the BNP Secretary General asserted that the national election must occur before the local government election. The national election should be prioritized.
Regarding Operation Devil Hunt, he stated that similar operations had been seen in the past. They have expressed that innocent people should not be harassed during such operations, and caution should be taken to avoid criticism.
During the meeting, BNP submitted a written statement to the Chief Adviser. It mentioned that they were deeply concerned about the provocative behavior of the fallen autocrat and his associates, who had made inappropriate comments about the bloody student uprising of July-August. This has led to widespread public anger and fury, which is now reflected in the destruction of statues, symbols, and memorials associated with the fallen dictatorship. The fascist party, Awami League, continues to destabilize the country through various declared activities, and with the help of a neighboring state, the fascist Hasina will continue this work from abroad. Therefore, it is necessary to bring Awami League to trial as a political party for genocide and crimes against humanity.
It also pointed out that the current interim government has failed to take effective steps in the past six months to bring the fugitive dictator and his associates under the law. This has led to illegal acts where people have been encouraged to take the law into their own hands. This undermines the image of the government both domestically and internationally.
The prevailing instability in the country, rising commodity prices, deteriorating law and order, stagnation in trade and investment, and chaos in the market supply system are causing immense public suffering.
Currently, there is a clear attempt to create frustration among citizens through ongoing public suffering, street unrest, and disorder driven by various demands and mob culture. The government has failed to demonstrate the necessary foresight in taking appropriate measures. A social disorder is increasingly becoming apparent.
In order to address the current situation and establish the overall aspirations and rights of the people, as well as to ensure democratic and constitutional rights and political stability, it is essential to form a political government through a prompt election that aligns with the public's expectations.
It also highlights that there is growing public doubt about some advisers of the interim government being involved in the process of forming political parties while remaining in power. There are increasing indications of using the administrative machinery for this purpose, which is detrimental to both the country and democracy. We welcome the formation of any political party through a legitimate democratic process that meets the expectations of the people.
(Translated by Afia Nanjiba Ibnat)
