BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said that the interim government must now decide whether it will act to fulfil the aspirations of a particular political party or work toward establishing an accountable government through a national election in the upcoming February elections.
Speaking virtually at an event held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, Tarique emphasised that the February national election should remain the government’s top priority if it truly aims to uphold democracy and people’s rights.
He expressed concern that certain political parties are creating obstacles to the national election by placing various preconditions.
“Complicating the national election process means, on one hand, taking advantage of the state apparatus without participating in the election, and on the other hand, paving the way for the rehabilitation of the fallen, defeated, and fugitive autocrat,” Tarique remarked.
Referring to the recent incidents of arson in the capital, he said the way the collaborators of the fugitive autocrat unleashed violence in recent days should serve as a “warning signal” to all forces opposing fascism.
Tarique further stated that it has now become clear to everyone that one of the parties involved in the anti-fascist movement once took shelter under the very fascist forces to save itself from their brutality.
“Given the current changing political circumstances, there is reason to believe that the fallen, defeated, and fugitive autocrat has now taken refuge under the umbrella of that same party that was previously part of the anti-fascist movement,” he said.
He warned that the ongoing call for a referendum could, in effect, open the door for the rehabilitation of the fallen and fugitive autocratic forces in national politics.
“I urge the democracy-loving people of the country to remain vigilant about whether, under the guise of a referendum, an attempt is being made to reintegrate those defeated anti-democratic elements into the state’s political structure,” Tarique said.
Tarique also pointed out that the people do not expect the short-term interim government to achieve success in every field.
“That is not the primary duty of an interim administration,” he said, adding that the interim government’s main responsibility is to ensure the holding of the national election in February as already announced.
He reiterated that the upcoming election must be conducted in a free, fair, and participatory manner, reflecting the aspirations of the nation.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the crisis regarding referendum was created unnecessary and intentionally.
“The government should work towards solving this crisis as soon as possible,” he said.
BNP’s standing committee members including Salahuddin Ahmed, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Babu Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, joint secretary general Khairul Kabir Khokon, Ganosamhati coordinator Zonayed Saki, Liberal Democratic Party President Colonel Oli Ahmad among others was present at the event.
