BNP Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Wednesday alleged that various dramas are being staged to divert public attention from their demand for voting rights and the ability to elect their representatives.
“You (govt) have not sworn in a person like Ishraque and have allowed a notorious individual like Abdul Hamid to go abroad. You are staging various kinds of dramas as part of your efforts to deviate the people of Bangladesh from their rightful path to vote and elect their representatives,” he said at a discussion meeting.
Trinamool Nagorik Andolon organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, protesting against a ‘plot’ to derail the national election.
Farroque, also an opposition chief whip in parliament, said the nation has witnessed the drama surrounding former President Abdul Hamid's departure abroad, the drama of former Narayanganj mayor Selina Hayat Ivy’s arrest, and most recently, the arrest drama involving actress Nusrat Faria.
“What exactly is happening in the country? Many are being arrested, only to be granted bail soon after. If that’s the case, then what is the point of arresting them in the first place? And what is the point of granting bail?” he said.
The BNP leader questioned the motive behind the National Citizen Party’s (NCP’s) demonstration in front of the Election Commission (EC) office, demanding the EC's reconstitution and local government polls.
“I think one drama after another is being staged to divert the basic demands of the people of Bangladesh in a different direction,” he said.
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The BNP leader said the NCP staged the protest against the EC, questioning its neutrality and formation before reforms, and demanding the local body polls while the Commission is preparing for the national election.
He also said no one has so far criticised the Election Commission for any of its activities. “So, why are you (NCP) protesting in front of the Election Commission? On whose suggestion and with the help of which ghost are you doing this?... So you don't respect (Prof Muhammad) Yunus, you don't listen to him.”
Farroque said the government has still not taken steps to arrange the oath-taking ceremony for Ishraque Hossain, even though the court declared him the elected mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.
“Why could Ishraque not take oath even after the court verdict? If you stop his oath by listening to someone's words, it is a very bad thing. I think there is a big conspiracy going on within the government. The NSI, DGFI and other intelligence agencies are working, but they are getting stuck somewhere,” he said.
The BNP leader urged Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to announce an election date and schedule to counter the conspirators. “If you do this, the conspirators will not dare to mislead you anymore. You should not be afraid. We are with you.”
Farroque also called upon the Chief Adviser to engage in talks with all the political parties that carried out the anti-Sheikh Hasina regime movement immediately and to announce a clear election roadmap. “Otherwise, if any bad situation arises in Bangladesh, we will not be responsible — your government will be responsible for that.”