Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
Reiterating his party’s demand, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called on the interim government to hold the general election by December.
Tarique, who is in London, was virtually addressing a discussion to mark the 18th founding anniversary of the National People’s Party (NPP), held on Sunday at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka’s Kakrail.
He said: “Political parties have again demanded a clear, specific date for the national election after meeting with the head of the interim government. The BNP insists that the national election must be held by December.”
“Threats and intimidation cannot silence the voice of the people. Citizens must continue to engage in constructive criticism of the government. Every individual must remain vocal in demanding their rightful entitlements,” he added.
Expressing hope for a free and fair national election under the interim government, he said: “The people of this country want to see, without delay, a free and fair national election under the leadership of this government.”
The BNP acting chief continued: “Whether the government is an elected one, an interim one, or a caretaker one, citizens must continue their constructive criticism. The people of this country are not subjects of government mercy.
“The government is bound to accept the people’s legitimate demands. There is no room for ego or grudges on the government’s part.”
Highlighting the lack of accountability, transparency, and political uncertainty, Tarique said that although there may not be a crisis concerning the moral or political legitimacy of this interim government, which was formed through the sacrifices of countless martyrs, it is not accountable to the people.
He added that since the government lacks accountability, it is morally necessary for it to present a clear, defined plan to the public. “No plan can be effective or sustainable if the people are kept in the dark and political parties are left in uncertainty.”
He noted a stagnation in both domestic and foreign investment, saying an atmosphere of uncertainty in the political and economic landscape is creating unease among various professional groups.
Tarique added: “As a result, people from different walks of life are taking to the streets every day with various demands. Sadly, at this moment, no one is there to listen to them.”
The BNP leader stressed the need for constitutional and legal reforms to block the return of fascism, saying: “Let it be the goal of every political party that supports Bangladesh and democracy to ensure that the fallen, fugitive fascism never returns in any form or manner.”
He added: “To prevent fascism and bring qualitative changes to the state, government, and politics, essential reforms are necessary. Depending on the needs of the time, there is no alternative to constitutional or legal reforms, or both.”
He further said: “There is no such thing as ‘too few’ or ‘too many’ reforms. State and political reform must be an ongoing process.”
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that there is no animosity between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the interim government.
