Voicing resentment over remarks of some individuals associated with the interim government about the formation of a new party, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday alleged that there is a plot to thwart the aspirations of the student-led revolution.
Speaking at a discussion, he said the students and masses have created an opportunity with their blood to help the nation move forward and shape the state system as per the people’s desires.
“But efforts to destroy that opportunity have already begun. I am astonished when I see educated people who have face value in society making very misleading statements,” the BNP leader said.
He said it is hard not to be surprised when those who have been assigned responsibilities by this government say that a new party needs to be formed. “Who gave them this authority? From where did they get the mandate to declare that a new party will be established? If so, how can people believe that they are working impartially?”
Fakhrul also said some organisations and quarters have already started working to keep this interim government in place for an indefinite time.
“These people want to say that the interim government will completely overhaul the government and carry out all reforms themselves. If this is the case, there will be no need for the people or the Parliament,” he observed.
Without mentioning names, the BNP leader said a newspaper has released a survey result claiming that most people want this government to stay as long as necessary.
“But I don’t know how they conducted it (the survey)…I don’t know where or how they obtained this information, but the public will never accept it. We should avoid making such statements and publishing such reports to prevent any confusion, and we must be mindful of this,” he said.
This discussion meeting titled 'Bicameral Parliament: Structure of the Upper House' was held at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) arranged by Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD.
Fakhrul said any reforms or changes are not possible without public participation.
He emphasised that the necessary changes should be made through Parliament, highlighting that a free and fair election is crucial for this process.
The BNP leader said the interim government, which has taken charge after the fall of the previous government and dissolution of Parliament, is tasked with overseeing the administration and organising elections.
He stressed that fundamental changes and reforms should be conducted with the involvement of the people after the formation of an elected government. “Parliament is the only place to do that. So the parliamentary election should be held in a free and fair manner under an impartial government.”
He also slammed the previous Awami League government for ruining the democratic institutions and emphasised the need for comprehensive reforms in the election commission, administration, and judiciary.
He once again called upon the interim government to immediately withdraw all the false and fictitious cases filed against opposition leaders and activists.
Besides, the BNP leader said measures must be taken to compensate the families of those who were killed or injured in the anti-autocracy movement.
He said many individuals in the administration who supported the fascist regime and indulged in corruption and criminal activities have not yet been removed.
“We demand that these individuals be promptly identified and removed to create a truly neutral framework that can ensure free and fair elections,” Fakhrul said.