BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain has stated that delaying elections would benefit the supporters of a fallen autocracy, thus working in favor of such regimes. He raised a question, “Those who are pushing for delayed elections citing demands like PR election system, are they not indirectly working for autocracy?”
He made these remarks on Friday at a discussion titled “The Importance of the National Parliamentary Election for Democracy and Human Rights” at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
Dr Zahid said, “If public concerns arise due to the political activities of various parties, it will only benefit the fallen autocracy. Was that not the reason behind the July movement last year? Please, do not take the role of a puppet and jump in blindly.”
He further added, “If the election is delayed under the guise of the PR system, democracy and human rights will be severely harmed.” He called on the Election Commission to immediately announce the election roadmap.
The BNP leader also stated, “The initiation of reforms in this country began with the BNP. Yet, those who are now advocating for reforms were the very ones who once rehabilitated autocracy. The Constitution does not create autocracy; it is the abuse of the Constitution that breeds it.”
Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, during the discussion, said, “The BNP’s 31-point charter is a national covenant. Justice Shahabuddin held elections within three months, so why have you not been able to hold elections in the last twelve months?” He added that the law enforcement agencies, including the army, are ready, and that the national elections must be held in February.
He also emphasised, “We do not need a new arrangement. Those who wish to discard the 1972 Constitution are the ones casting doubts on Bangladesh’s election system. The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is trying to block the elections using a proxy.”
Abul Kashem Chowdhury remarked, “The fascist Hasina cannot escape; her trial will take place on Bangladeshi soil.” He also urged the current government to return the stolen money of the Awami League.
Senior leaders at the discussion concluded that if elections are delayed, not only democracy but the state itself will suffer. They called for unity in the defense of democracy.