The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has called upon the interim government to shift its focus on holding a participatory and credible national election from any other issue to go by the aspiration of the people.
“Focus on the election without paying attention to other issues,” Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said while addressing a discussion at Dhaka Reporters Unity, marking the 17th founding anniversary of the National People’s Party (NPP).
The BNP leader came up with the call following the government’s move to form the Search Committee in reconstituting the Election Commission for holding the next general elections.
“There is no alternative to holding a fair, neutral, inclusive and acceptable election to ensure the country's survival and progress,” he said.
He also urged Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to remain alert so that people’s affection and respect for him are not diminished.
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina led government amid the student led mass uprising on August 5, Professor Yunus took the oath as Chief Adviser on August 8.
Assuming office, the Yunus-led interim government has been emphasising on reforms before holding the next general polls.
The Chief Adviser is holding talks with political parties to discuss over the reform commissions and the current law and order of the country. Political parties, including the BNP, have been asking the government to announce the roadmap for the polls.
Fakhrul said the interim government is going to form the search committee for the constitution of the Election Commission.
“We expected that they (govt) would consult political parties before forming it, although we do not think this is a major issue, as we hope the committee will fulfill its responsibilities properly,” he said.
The BNP leader said this government lacks political desire, as its head has clearly stated he has no political ambitions.
“I want to say to Dr Muhammad Yunus that you are highly respected worldwide, and the people of Bangladesh deeply love and respect you. They want that to continue. My request is that you stay vigilant to ensure your position is not undermined.”
Abdul Halim of Jamaat-e-Islami, Mostafizur Rahman Iran of Labour Party, KM Abu Taher of NDP, Khandaker delwar Hossain of Jatiya Ganatantrik Party, ATM Golam Mowla Chowdhury of Ganadal, Faruk Hasan of Ganaodhikar Parishad, SM Shahadat of Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Party and MN Shawon Sadequi of Bangladesh NAP also addressed the programme with NPP chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad in the chair.
