BNP Standing Committee member Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on Sunday said that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has disappointed the country with the “lie” that only one party wants elections within December.
Speaking at a discussion arranged by the Muktijoddha Dal at the National Press Club, Hafiz said, “Forty-two political parties confirmed earlier that they want the election by December.”
“Even in February, Yunus promised to the BNP delegation that elections would be held by December. But suddenly, his statement has changed,” Hafiz blamed.
Calling for a quick election, the senior BNP leader said, “One of the main demands from the caretaker government was to implement reforms. All political parties agreed on them. Those reforms are done. Now it is time for elections.”
He also stressed that other reform initiative and trials should be carried out under an elected government.
“Reform is a continuous process. These works should be done by a government elected by the people,” Hafiz said.
He said that another important issue is trials for the past misdeeds of the Awami League, but trials take time. “If the trial takes 5 or 10 years, should we wait without an election for that long?” he asked.
Hafiz Uddin also criticised the advisory councils’ role in guiding the youth. “The current advisory council is misguiding the students,” he said, adding that students should focus on their studies instead of joining mobs.
“Students’ main duty is to study. They should not gather in front of the Secretariat or the chief adviser’s residence whenever they want. They should first complete their education and then join a profession or politics,” he said.
He added that people who had no contribution to the country are now giving big speeches, while those who sacrificed in the past are being ignored.
Hafiz also said that Bangladesh must not be dragged into any war-like situation without people’s consent, referring to recent discussions about giving the UN a humanitarian corridor.