Dhaka, Jan 18 (V7N) — BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon has criticised calls for electoral reforms by advisors to the current government, questioning their mandate to initiate such changes. Speaking at an event at the National Press Club on Saturday, he emphasised that reforms are the responsibility of a political government and highlighted BNP's long-standing 31-point reform agenda.

"Who gave you the mandate for reforms? The political government will do whatever reforms are needed in the country," Ripon said, asserting that BNP's outlined reforms remain relevant and comprehensive. He warned against attempts to depoliticise governance under the guise of reform, stating that such efforts would be resisted.

Ripon acknowledged the transitional nature of the current unelected government, which he referred to as a "people's government" following a mass uprising. However, he cautioned that unelected governments cannot remain indefinitely, citing the risks associated with prolonged governance without electoral legitimacy.

In a separate event, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury called for a departure from the politics of revenge, urging professionals who supported the alleged crimes of Sheikh Hasina's administration to apologise. He also demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in disappearances and murders under the previous regime.

The BNP leaders' statements come amid growing political tensions as Bangladesh navigates its post-uprising transitional period, with debates over governance and reforms taking centre stage.

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