Lack of poll roadmap makes people suspicious about govt: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the people of the country are looking at the interim government with a suspicion due to its delay in announcing a specific timeframe of the national election, reports UNB.

The BNP leader came up with the remarks while speaking at a programme organised by 'Amra BNP Paribar' at Demar's Konapara in the capital on Wednesday to express sympathy to the family members of seven people who were killed by police firing during the recent student-led mass movement.

He urged the government to rein in the rising prices of daily essentials by taking action against the Awami business syndicate that controls the market.

"I would like to tell Dr Muhammad Yunus that you should carry out the reforms. But why do you hesitate so much to declare the election date? Democracy means that no matter what happens, you must clearly inform people as they have doubts about these matters," Rizvi said.

He said the government has formed various commissions for state reforms, but it did not specify the deadline for submitting reports or how many days it will take to hold a free and fair election.

The BNP leader said people have been waiting for a credible election for 15 years to choose their representatives and parties to form the government. "Having clarity and a roadmap are two essential conditions of democracy. You are hesitating regarding the timeframe, and people are viewing this with some suspicion."

Rizvi said Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is a revered person who has brought international honour for Bangladesh. "But he must first consider what can ease public life and where people find comfort. To ensure that low-income people can eat properly, you must prioritise market control."