Dhaka, Mar 22 (V7N) – Dhaka District unit Jubo Dal President Yassin Ferdous Murad on Saturday said the first step in state reform should be the removal of associates of fallen autocrats who still hold positions within various levels of the state machinery.

"The cohorts of the Awami League are conspiring against the country from within the government and are working to rehabilitate the fallen dictators," he said.

Murad made these remarks while addressing an Iftar gathering organised by the Somvag Union BNP in Dhamrai.

He noted that a particular quarter is attempting to create a situation where reforms and elections are pitched against each other. "They are saying that the election must be held only after reforms are completed. I would like to say that removing the associates of autocrats from state institutions, including the administration, should be the primary focus of these reforms."

The Jubo Dal leader also stated that the government could complete the necessary reforms within three months if it truly intends to do so.

"There is also discussion about holding local government elections before the national elections. But, if the national election is delayed under the pretext of local government polls, it will give the allies of the fallen dictatorship a chance to be rehabilitated," he warned.

Murad cautioned that the people of Bangladesh would not tolerate any excuses for delaying the national election. "Prolonged delays in holding the national election under the guise of reforms are unacceptable under any circumstances.”

The Jubo Dal leader said the country’s people have been deprived of their voting rights in the last three elections, and millions of young voters have not had the opportunity to vote even once in their lives. “To ensure the political empowerment of these voters, the first priority must be holding a national election."

He also said if the interim government delays the polls on the grounds of reforms or for any other reason, public frustration could lead to protests.

Murad urged the interim government to present a clear election roadmap to eliminate any confusion among the public regarding the national election.

"The country is going through a critical time. Only an elected government can guide the nation through this and restore stability and order," he concluded.

END/ARJ/AJ