BNP urges govt to announce roadmap for JS polls by Dec

BNP has urged the interim government to announce a roadmap immediately after implementing necessary electoral reforms to ensure the national election is held by December this year.

BNP Standing Committee Member Khandker Mosharraf Hossain told reporters after emerging from a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his residential office in Dhaka on Saturday.

Quoting from a statement handed to the chief adviser outlining the party’s demands, he said the people believe the interim government’s main responsibility is to hold a free and fair election to ensure a smooth democratic transition.

“We think that the ground for the reemergence of fascism in the country will be created if the national election is delayed under any pretext. And if it happens, the interim government and other relevant authorities must be held responsible,” he said.

About the resignation of the chief adviser, he said his party did never made the demand rather it has been extending all-out cooperation since the very beginning of the incumbent government.

Claiming that his party members have been the worst victims of harassment, torture, and politically motivated cases, he said they also urged the Chief Adviser to ensure the trial of the defeated Awami League.

Otherwise, BNP will ensure the trial if the party comes to power with people’s vote in the next general election, Mosharraf said.

BNP Standing Committee Members Abdul Moeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salauddin Ahmed also accompanied Mosharraf during the meeting that began at the CA’s residential office, State Guest House, Jamuan, around 7:15 pm.

While talking to media prior to the meeting, Amir Khasru, also a standing committee member of the party, said that his party’s meeting will primarily focus on holding a fair election, as it is the only way to restore democracy in the country.

On Thursday, BNP said that it may be compelled to reconsider its cooperation with the interim government if a specific roadmap for holding the next general election by December is not announced immediately.

The chief adviser was considering resignation, frustrated by various political parties’ demonstrations and comments made by the Army Chief during an officers’ address on Wednesday regarding the government and the election, according to media reports.