BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Thursday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of plotting to derail the national election, warning that such a move would only benefit the Awami League and India.
“After the July-August uprising, with the wholehearted support of Tarique Rahman, a path has opened for establishing democracy in Bangladesh. Now you (Jamaat) have started conspiring to block that path. But such plots will bring you no benefit. The only ones who will gain are Delhi and Sheikh Hasina,” he said.
Speaking at a rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, he urged political parties seeking to delay the election to step back. “In the past, you have played many games, but now it is the people’s game that has begun.”
Ganatantra Forum arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club in protest against conspiracies targeting the upcoming parliamentary election.
Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, said that after the interim government announced the election for February, many rumours began to spread while Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nur came under attack. “We’re also hearing about PR and conspiracies regarding the election.”
In an oblique reference to Jamaat, he said although the party killed many people in 1971, BNP founder Ziaur Rahman forgave it and Khaleda Zia later made its leaders ministers.
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But he alleged that just as Prof Muhammad Yunus is preparing to hold an election similar to that of Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed’s time, Jamaat has begun a new conspiracy. “This conspiracy is not yours, but rather in tune with the plot orchestrated by Sheikh Hasina from Delhi.”
The BNP leader said those claiming the election would not be allowed to hold are making a mistake. “No matter how many attempts you make to create law and order problems, it will bring no benefit. The people will be the ones to gain, as they had been unable to vote for the past 16 years. The people of the country have entrusted Dr Yunus with the responsibility of running the government through their support.”
Farroque said this time there would be no rigging, no voting at night instead of during the day, and no repeat of the polls in 2014, 2018 or 2024. “This time, it is the people’s game, and in that game the Election Commission will emerge victorious.”
The BNP leader urged all political parties to put the nation’s independence and constitution above party conflicts. “We may have our differences, but on the question of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, we must all remain united. There can be no further debate about the Constitution of Bangladesh. The next election must be held in line with the Constitution and under this interim government.”
Farroque also welcomed the Appellate Division’s decision upholding the High Court’s verdict that acquitted BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Lutfozzaman Babar, among others, in the 21 August grenade attack case.