Although the party has been assured that the election will be held by December this year, BNP policymakers have decided to continue escalating pressure on the interim government to present a clear election roadmap and ensure that no local body elections are held before the national one.
Talking to UNB, some party policymakers expressed concerns that certain quarters may attempt to create obstacles to the national election in various ways, potentially exerting pressure on the government to hold the local body elections first.
As part of the party’s strategy, they said BNP will hold public rallies in 67 organisational districts across the country, starting tomorrow (Wednesday), to demonstrate its popularity and organisational strength.
In light of the current political situation, the BNP leaders said they have already instructed their leaders and activists to remain alert and ensure massive public participation in all rallies, demanding a prompt election and protesting public suffering.
Govt working to arrange polls by December: Fakhrul
Besides, they said, their party will now focus on election preparations, including, first and foremost, the selection of suitable candidates.
Before launching their nationwide rally programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with two other senior leaders, met Professor Muhammad Yunus to inform him of the party's stance and views on the upcoming election.
Following the meeting, BNP Standing Committee members convened and held an extensive discussion on the outcome of their one-and-a-half-hour talks with the Chief Adviser.
A BNP Standing Committee member, speaking anonymously, said the interim government assured them that the election would be held by December next. “However, our concerns about the election have not yet been alleviated, as there are still several visible signs indicating a potential delay.”
He said BNP wants the government to keep its commitment by promptly announcing an election roadmap. “So, we have decided to maintain our pressure on the government in various ways, including through street programmes, until a clear election roadmap is presented.”
The BNP leader also said student leaders involved in the Anti-Discrimination Movement and Jamaat-e-Islami are trying to delay the election, exerting pressure on the government to conduct local body polls before the national election.
“But we will not accept any election before the national one. We will thwart any attempt to delay the national election,” he said.
BNP delegation sits with Chief Adviser
The BNP leader said their party will hold rallies in all districts between February 12-25 to stage a massive show of strength and garner public support for their position on promptly arranging the national election.
Another BNP Standing Committee member said there is no alternative to an election to resolve the ongoing crisis. “It seems the government has come to realise this truth. However, a certain party and group are trying to unsettle the government by opposing the national election before the local body polls. BNP will offer all-out support and cooperation to ensure that the government is not swayed by any external pressure.”
“We will ensure the participation of a large number of people in all our rallies to give the government confidence that the majority of the country’s population is behind it in holding the election as early as possible,” he said.
The BNP leader also revealed that their party has started its election preparations with December in mind.
Having already announced its intention to form a national government if it wins the next election, he said BNP has begun initial discussions on how to allocate seats with like-minded parties that have supported them in the anti-fascist movement.
At the same time, he said their party has started talks on selecting suitable BNP candidates for the election.
“Basically, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is overseeing this matter. He is determined not to nominate any controversial candidates in the next election. Therefore, we will prioritise candidates with a clean image,” the BNP policymaker said.
Election Roadmap: BNP delegation to meet Dr Yunus Monday
BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the Chief Adviser assured their party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that the election would be held by December.
“We want to trust this assurance. However, we will remain vigilant and closely monitor the government's activities,” he said.
The BNP leader said they wanted the election to be held by July-August, but the government indicated that it would not be possible to complete preparations by that that time.
“We are giving the government until December to arrange the election. We hope they will keep their promise and announce an election roadmap very soon,” he said.
Mosharraf said once the election roadmap is announced, the people of the country will rise up to thwart any efforts to derail the process. “Thus, the government must focus on holding the national election as soon as possible.”
When asked about the party's ongoing nationwide rallies, he said BNP will continue to hold these rallies to press for various demands, alongside the prompt holding of the national election.
In response to a question, Mosharraf said BNP may share seats with other parties, as in previous elections.
Another BNP Standing Committee member, Mirza Abbas, said an evil force is attempting to delay the election under various pretexts, including holding local body polls before the national election.
“We have fought for 17 years on the streets for a credible national election, not for local body elections. We hope that those advocating for local body elections will reconsider their stance in the interest of the country,” he said.
Fakhrul hails govt for launching ‘Operation Devil Hunt’
Abbas warned that holding local body elections now would provide an opportunity for the fascist Awami League leaders and activists to stage a comeback. “We won’t allow that to happen.”
He also reaffirmed BNP's commitment to supporting the interim government in holding a free, fair, and acceptable election. “But anyone who tries to create obstacles to the national election will be given a fitting reply.”