Dhaka, Feb 25 (V7N) –BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed concerns over various aspects of the interim government, saying the public is beginning to question its governance and any delay in the election raises the question of who stands to benefit.
Speaking virtually as chief guest at the BNP Comilla metropolitan conference on Tuesday, he remarked: “Instability is evident in various sectors of the country. Since the assumption of office, we have observed that different officials within this government are making contradictory statements, which has led to unrest in several regions.”
Addressing the gathering at Town Hall Field in Comilla’s Kandirpar area, Tarique emphasized that BNP does not seek instability in Bangladesh.
He criticized the previous authoritarian regime for dismantling state structures and expressed the BNP’s commitment to rebuilding the nation and ensuring stability.
“For meaningful change in people’s lives, stability is essential. However, some statements made by members of the interim government have led to disorder. We want to support this government in successfully organizing a fair election, as a well-executed election will strengthen the democratic journey of the country,” he said.
He further urged the interim government to uphold the neutrality that the public expects.
Tarique stressed the importance of unity among political parties, saying: “Differences in opinion are natural in politics, but division must not be created, as it would harm both the nation and democratic forces. The more united we remain, the more effectively we can thwart conspiracies against democracy. It is crucial to assess who would benefit if the election is delayed.”
He reaffirmed the BNP’s belief that “the people are the source of all power” and that sustaining democracy would shield the country from conspiracies.
Reiterating the BNP’s commitment to elections, Tarique said: “As a political party, one of our primary objectives is to seek votes from the people and contest elections. Some individuals claim BNP is solely focused on elections, but this is because we believe in democracy, people’s power and electoral politics. It is natural for us to advocate for elections and ask for votes. However, we must question why certain individuals are attempting to portray this normal democratic practice as unusual.”
He also highlighted the importance of safeguarding voting rights, saying: “Ensuring voting rights alone is not enough; we must also protect the right to cast votes freely—the right for which many have sacrificed their lives.”
The event commenced at 3pm with the hoisting of national and party flags, followed by the release of balloons.
In his address, Barkat Ullah Bulu urged the chief adviser to announce an electoral roadmap swiftly, emphasizing that national progress is unattainable without an elected government.
He noted: “After receiving the Nobel Prize, Sheikh Hasina did not honor you, but Begum Khaleda Zia did. You are one of the most respected figures in Bangladesh. If you protect your dignity, you will be remembered with the same reverence as Justice Shahabuddin.”
He further said that an elected government would curb inflation and stabilize law and order.
Expressing gratitude to the army, he said: “We appreciate the military’s courageous role on August 5. Mr Waker (army chief), you have played a significant role in stabilizing Bangladesh’s situation. We hope you will facilitate a neutral election with Dr Yunus’s government, as this is the collective demand of today’s (Tuesday's) conference.”
END/MSS/AJ
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