The BNP on Thursday issued a stark warning that it may be forced to reconsider its cooperation with the interim government if a specific roadmap for holding the next general election by December is not announced immediately, reports UNB.
Speaking at a press conference, BNP Standing Committee Member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain also urged the interim government to immediately remove certain "controversial advisers," including those allegedly affiliated with a newly formed political party and the national security adviser, for the sake of neutrality and the government's reputation.
"The highest priority now is to establish an elected political government as soon as possible, in accordance with the aspirations of the people, to restore the lost democratic, constitutional, human, and voting rights—embodying the spirit of the student-led July mass uprising," he said.
"We demand the immediate announcement of a specific roadmap to form a national parliament by December 2025 through a fair, free, and impartial election," he added.
Mosharraf said the primary agenda of the interim government should be to fulfill the people's top demand: a credible national election. "Otherwise, it will be difficult for the BNP, as a party of the people, to continue its cooperation with this government," he warned.
He emphasized that the interim government must ensure neutrality while preparing for the upcoming election and stressed that retaining politically biased individuals in advisory roles is damaging to both the government's image and public confidence.
"Everyone knows and understands that some advisers of the interim government are directly or indirectly involved with a new political party, and their presence in the advisory council continues to undermine the government's non-partisan identity. Therefore, it is necessary to relieve them of their duties to protect the government's image," he said.
Mosharraf also pointed to Wednesday's comment by National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman involving BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying it had sparked fresh controversy.
"To protect the integrity of the government, he too must be relieved of his duties. We have repeatedly demanded the removal of certain advisers who are aligned with fascism," he said.
Since the main task of the government is to hold the national parliamentary election, the BNP leader argued for a leaner advisory council focused on conducting routine activities, instead of maintaining a large one.
He warned that if the government ignores the party's proposals and concerns—as it has done in the past—the BNP will be compelled to reconsider its cooperation with the interim administration.
The BNP Standing Committee held the press conference at the party Chairperson's office in Gulshan.
BNP Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Salahuddin Ahmed were also present.
When asked who the controversial advisers are, Mosharraf said, "I mentioned it in the press conference... even if I don't name them, you all know who they are."
He said some recent activities of the interim government have created public doubt about its neutrality. "It is evident that implementing the agenda of certain quarters for political gain has become part of the government's action plan."
He reiterated that the sole mandate of the interim government is to conduct a fair, free, and impartial national parliamentary election. "But the Chief Adviser's press secretary, acting as the government's spokesperson, has claimed that this administration has the mandate to do everything."
Mosharraf questioned whether the government's statements and actions regarding the humanitarian corridor and Chittagong Port truly serve national interests. "The people of this country do not believe that the interim provisional government has the authority to make such nationally significant and long-term policy decisions."
He asserted that such decisions should be made only by a government elected by the people on the basis of national consensus.
Regarding the reform process and trial of the Awami League, Mosharraf said that reform and electoral processes can proceed simultaneously, while the trial of the fallen fascist forces, individuals, the party, and those accused of crimes against humanity will also go forward.
Comments