Fakhrul doubts govt's sincerity in holding timely polls

FE Team | Published: February 20, 2025 00:05:59

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed doubts over the interim government's sincerity in holding the national election without unnecessary delays, reports UNB.
The BNP leader came up with the remarks while speaking at a discussion on 'The New Style of Student Politics in Post-Mass Uprising Bangladesh,' organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the capital on Wednesday, marking the launch of the distribution of membership forms and the renewal of membership for its Dhaka city units.
He also alleged that the students who once led the movement against the Awami League regime now appear to be giving space to fascists in order to protect their own interests.
"We're observing that the interim government, which we supported, was attempting to move towards the election after completing certain tasks. However, in the meantime, doubts have arisen among the people regarding whether they are serious about holding the election at all," Fakhrul said.
He said there are valid concerns, including various comments made by advisers, which have contributed to the growing suspicion about the intentions of the interim administration.
Criticising LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan for his comment that Awami League members could participate in elections after apologising to the public, Fakhrul said the nation would not accept this.
"This proves that they now want to give space to the fascists for their own interests... This is very dangerous. Does this mean we should believe they are using various strategies to organise their party by remaining in the government?" he said.
The BNP leader said they would not allow students who were involved in the mass uprising to now form a political party with such strategies.
He said the people of the country would not tolerate the implementation of any such malicious tactics.
Fakhrul said the BNP would welcome the formation of any new political party, as they had already supported the new student organisation.
"We will welcome it when you form a party. But it does not mean you can form a party by staying in power and availing all state facilities. That will never be accepted," he said.
The BNP leader once again urged the head of the interim government to immediately address these issues and take appropriate action.
"Otherwise, the trust that the people have in you will no longer exist," he warned.
Fakhrul reiterated his earlier statement that if the current interim government lost its neutrality, another neutral government would be required. "Now it has been proven why I said that."