United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged the interim government not to take any step that would facilitate the rehabilitation of fleeing autocrats in the country. “I would like to draw the attention of the interim government and reiterate that no steps should be taken to allow the fugitive autocrats and their cohorts to be rehabilitated in the state and politics,” he said while addressing an iftar party virtually. BNP hosted the iftar party at the Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton area in honour of various professionals. Tarique also stressed the importance of maintaining national unity against fascism for the greater good of the nation. “By turning a minor issue into the main focus in the political arena, doubts and suspicions have been, or are being, inadvertently created within the anti-fascist national unity,” he observed. In a context where thousands of crores of money looted from the state remain unrecovered, the BNP leader said holding local body elections before the national election would create an opportunity for the rehabilitation of fugitive autocrats and their associates, who are still lurking in the country. He pointed out that around three crore young voters were denied the right to vote during the one-and-a-half decades of Sheikh Hasina's mafia rule. Tarique pledges support to Patuakhali rape victim’s family “To ensure the political empowerment of these voters, the national election must be held first in the country,” Tarique said. He also observed that no reforms would be sustainable without the political empowerment of the country’s people. The BNP leader said the way reforms and elections are being pitted against each other is undoubtedly politically motivated. “To those who advocate for holding national elections only after completing reforms, I want to say that reform never ends. It is a continuous process,” he said. The BNP leader said the current constitution of the country, which was arbitrarily amended by the fugitive autocrats and transformed into their party’s constitution, clearly states that the national parliament shall be formed by the direct vote of people. “Despite this explicit provision in the constitution, during the rule of the fugitive fascist government, the people of Bangladesh and the entire world repeatedly witnessed how the national parliament was formed without the people’s vote. The fugitive autocratic government did not adhere to the constitution,” he said. For this reason, Tarique said his party believes that in democratic politics, the practical application of democratic political rights and conduct is more important than textbook reforms. “Only through the people’s democratic practices can reforms become sustainable, successful and effective.” He acknowledged the undeniable role and contribution of noted citizens, civil society, and professionals in the country. “Much of the good and bad of the state and politics depends on the patriotism of politicians and their policies in governing the state. In this regard, the more effective the role of distinguished citizens and professionals in the state and society, the more responsible and powerful the political government becomes.” Tarique likened politics to the roof of a well-organised and united house, where civil society and professionals are the pillars or supports of that house. “In a state, politicians, civil society, and professionals are complementary to one another.” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the country is currently going through a very difficult time. “An interim government was formed after defeating and ousting a brutal fascist government through a massive student-led mass uprising. The entire nation is now awaiting the formation of a new democratic parliament and government with great expectation.” BNP condemns Israeli attacks, urges global action to stop Gaza bloodshed During this challenging time, he called upon all to play a responsible role from their respective positions and move forward with patience and peace. “Those of us involved in politics, those in various professions, and those associated with the government or the public in any way should speak and act in such a way that it opens up opportunities for the advancement of democracy.” Fakhrul urged all democratic forces to work towards building a new, democratic Bangladesh through realistic thoughts. “It is now crucial to hold the national election very quickly to resolve the crisis. Completing the necessary reforms for the election and then conducting the election will be the wisest course of action. At this moment, carrying out that wise action seems to be the best approach,” he said.

Unlike in previous elections, the BNP has no possibility of forming an electoral alliance with its long-standing ally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, ahead of the next national election, even if the Awami League participates in the polls, said party Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy. In an interview with UNB, he also expressed doubts about Jamaat's potential to establish an indirect alliance with the Awami League and through the assistance of India, as the Islamist party appears desperate to go to power. The BNP leader, however, said India, as a close neighbour of Bangladesh, should take the initiative to improve its relations with the BNP and the people of Bangladesh, as it has harmed bilateral ties by favouring only one political party. Tarique warns of threats to democracy, vows to uphold country’s secular character During the extensive interview, Gayeshwar also discussed the current political situation, the interim government’s performance and reform initiatives, the upcoming election, the future of the NCP and the Awami League, Tarique Rahman’s homecoming as well as the BNP’s next course of action to force the government to arrange the election by this year. “I don’t see any possibility for the BNP to form an electoral alliance with Jamaat this time. But, there is a possibility of Jamaat forming an alliance with the Awami League if our neighbouring country facilitates or arranges it,” Gayeshwar said. He also said Jamaat may establish at least an indirect alliance with the Awami League, as they did in the past in 1986 and 1996. “The way Jamaat is behaving, it seems they are desperate to come to power. In times of crisis, Jamaat has betrayed the nation. They were with the Awami League during the movement for the caretaker government in 1996 and during the 1986 elections. If Jamaat and Awami League had not participated in the 1986 elections, Ershad would have fallen much earlier,” the BNP leader said. Indian media involved in anti-Bangladesh propaganda: BNP’s Farroque Gayeshwar, however, said the common voters of the Awami League would not vote for Jamaat, even if the party forms an alliance with the Islamist party. He said BNP had an alliance with Jamaat based on elections and movements, and their party wants to continue it, but Jamaat is showing hostility towards BNP The BNP and Jamaat came close to each other during the 1991 national election, but their formal coalition was established in 1999. Since then, they have been together in their political journey. Starting with a four-party alliance and expanding to a 20-party coalition, they remained politically aligned until the dissolution of the 20-party alliance before the 12th national elections. With the Awami League absent from the political stage following the August 5 (2024) political changeover, the two long-standing allies, BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, appear to be drifting apart as they vie for dominance ahead of the upcoming elections, according to political analysts. Gayeshwar also openly talked about his party’s stance on relations with India. “Our relationship with India remains the same as before. We have a foreign policy that encourages having friends abroad, but not masters. We must maintain diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries, so we are open to improving bilateral ties with India,” he said. July uprising and interim govt are outcomes of BNP's long struggle: Khandaker Mosharraf The BNP leader said India must take the initiative to improve diplomatic relations with whoever comes to power in Bangladesh. “India must take this initiative. We have not ruined relations with India. The people of Bangladesh have become dissatisfied with India because it chose to align with a party (AL) they do not support. To mend this, India must take diplomatic efforts,” he said. He also said Indian authorities should change their approach towards Bangladesh, respecting the people of Bangladesh and their wishes. Asked when BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman can return to the country, Gayeshwar said he may come back anytime. “Tarique Rahman will return to the country after considering everything, including his security issue.” He said their party has been pushing for the restoration of democracy through a credible election for the last 17 years. “We’ve been patient, trusting the interim government, but we won’t stay idle for long. Even if we don’t want to, we may have to take to the streets to ensure the election.” The BNP leader said there is no need to buy more time for the election in the name of reforms. “Reform is an ongoing process. We want reforms, but elections cannot be delayed for them. Elections must be held as soon as possible. Necessary reforms should be done to organise a free, fair, and acceptable election and the remaining reforms can be carried out by the elected government.” New conspiracy unfolding against BNP, democracy and Bangladesh, warns Tarique Gayeshwar said the interim government should not treat BNP as an opposition party, pushing it to take to the streets. He said BNP’s main demand over the past 17 years has been a fair election. “There is no reason to deviate from this demand.” Replying to a question, Gayeshwar said that the National Citizen Party (NCP) was supposed to be formed without any support from the government. “The strength of the new political party (NCP) lies within the government itself, as the government is doing a lot to support them, which is causing it to lose its neutrality.” He compared this to the actions of the Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin government, which tried to create new parties but ultimately failed. When asked about the future of the Awami League, Gayeshwar said he does not support banning any political party, as it is the people who decide the fate of parties. He observed that many once-prominent parties, such as the Muslim League and National Awami Party, have faded into obscurity. Interim govt advisers trying to divide anti-fascist movement: Rizvi “This means many political parties in Bangladesh have been rejected by the people and disappeared. Can the Bangladesh Muslim League be found now anywhere? Has the National Awami Party been banned? But where are they now?” he said. The BNP leader said if the people continue to reject the Awami League in future elections, it may face the same fate as the Muslim League.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday promised that his party would bring those responsible for the tortures and killings during the anti-autocratic movement and the 2024 mass uprising under trial, if it is voted to power. “We can firmly say if the people of Bangladesh give the BNP the opportunity to govern in the future, we will ensure trials for all incidents of killings and repression,” he said while addressing an Iftar Mahfil virtually at a city hotel. Tarique assured that the party would make every effort, alongside various political programmes, to ensure justice for those affected and for those subjected to repression and killings during the anti-autocratic movements and the July-August mass uprising. Focus on solving public issues, not just reforms: Tarique to political parties  Amra BNP Paribar organised the event at Lakeshore Hotel for the families of the victims of enforced disappearances and killings during the ‘fascist’ Awami League regime, as well as for the martyrs of the 2024 mass uprising. Eid gifts were also distributed among the victim families at the event. The BNP acting chairman said both the party and the nation expect a fair and neutral election in the future, through which the people of Bangladesh will decide who will form the government. Regardless of which party comes to power, he said there must be a programme, alongside various other activities, to ensure justice for all victims of torture and injustice. Tarique talks to Magura rape victim’s mother, assures justice “The trial must be conducted fairly at any costs. If we fail to hold trials for past injustices, and if there is no fair and proper trial for these incidents, then injustice could recur in the country,” he warned. Tarique Rahman urged the victim families not to lose hope but to live up to their expectations. “If we all remain united and vocal against injustice, we will certainly be able to hold these trials in this land,” he added.  

BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that if the Election Commission performs its duties properly, the general elections could take place between June and July, rather than in December. He further added, “If there is a delay in the election process, the people will begin to doubt the credibility of this interim government.” He made this statement during a meeting with the families of those injured and martyred in the July-August uprising in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, followed by a donation distribution ceremony on Friday. ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ organised this event at the city's Bhuban Mohan Park. Take stern action against abusers of women: BNP to govt Questioning the delay in holding the elections, Rizvi said Sheikh Hasina has deprived the people of their voting rights and delayed the election for 15 years. Voters were unable to go to polling stations and cast their votes for 15 years. Their votes were cast even before they could reach the polls. So, now people don’t want to see any delay in the election. Our electoral system and democratic institutions have been completely destroyed. “These institutions need to be revived, and we need innovation,” Rizvi added. He stated, "We believe that the interim government is essentially a caretaker government. Therefore, this government should be able to conduct a fair election. Any delay in the election process is unacceptable." Rizvi also highlighted the need for reforms to ensure that law enforcement agencies cannot oppress the people by acting as the government's enforcers. Moyeen Khan-led delegation returns home from China "An elected government is required to establish such laws. How can this be possible without an elected government? Therefore, the national parliamentary election must take place first," he added. Amra BNP Poribar convener Atiqur Rahman Rumman, BNP Executive Committee Health Affairs Secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam, and other leaders also spoke at the event.

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.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called upon the interim government to shift its focus on holding a participatory and credible national election from any other issue, as per the desire of people. Speaking at a discussion, he also urged Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to remain alert so that people’s affection and respect for him are not diminished. “We need to give the government time and hope they will use it wisely.  Focus on the election without paying attention to other issues,” the BNP leader said addressing the government. He also said there is no alternative to holding a fair, neutral, inclusive and acceptable election to ensure the country's survival and progress. Because the greatest challenge we face now is to establish a democratic state. The BNP leader expressed hope that the government would arrange for an acceptable election within a reasonable timeframe, allowing the people to establish their parliament through their votes. "This is what the people want," he said. The National People's Party (NPP) organised the programme at Dhaka Reporter’s Unity (DRU) to mark its 17th founding anniversary. Fakhrul said the interim government has formed a search committee for the constitution of the Election Commission. “We expected that they (govt) would consult political parties before forming it, although we do not think this is a major issue, as we hope the committee will fulfill its responsibilities properly,” he said. The BNP leader hoped that the new election will arrange the election promptly. He noted that since the recently resigned Election Commission, led by Kazi Habibul Awal, arranged the election in three months, the new Commission should be able to do the same, saying that "it is certainly possible if there is the will to make it happen." The BNP leader said they believe this government has no political agenda, as its head has clearly indicated that he has no political ambitions. “I want to say to Dr Muhammad Yunus that you are highly respected worldwide, and the people of Bangladesh deeply love and respect you. They want that to continue. My request is that you stay vigilant to ensure your position is not undermined,” he said. Fakhrul said the nation is facing a critical time, pointing out that the struggle for democracy continues amid various plots. He warned that the state would be in great danger if any imprudent actions were taken or mistakes were made out of mere emotion, as many efforts are being made to threaten the nation’s existence. "We must remember these words.” He observed that everyone must remain vigilant, as the fascists are still active. “Merely changing an individual cannot alter the entire structure of fascism.” He said the youth have brought change to the country through a bloody struggle and immense sacrifices. “It’s also their responsibility to maintain it... we have to resolve many problems that we have. Stating that the interim government is a non-political one, the BNP leader said it has come forward to help the nation. “But politicians have to resolve the problems, and no problem can be solved without politicians.” Fakhrul thanked the government for forming several commissions for state reform. “We hope the government will take the reports from the reform commissions, present them to the people, and take it forward. I want to make one thing clear: all reforms must be ratified by the people and accepted by them.” He warned that reforms will never be sustainable without people's participation, emphasizing that success cannot be achieved by imposing reforms from above. “Ayub Khan tried, Ershad tried, but it was not possible. Nothing can be done that conflicts with our country and the culture of the people.”  

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday said it is now a demand of the time to complete reforms quickly for establishing a government elected by the people. “One aspiration of 16 years’ struggle and the mass uprising of students and people in July-August has been fulfilled with the fall of fascism. But another aspiration is the restoration of democracy and the restoration of people’s rights,” he said addressing a rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club. The BNP leader said democracy needs to be restored in such a way that it cannot be used against the people. “True democracy and people's democracy must be reestablished. Therefore, it is now a demand of the time to establish an elected government and elected rule by completing the necessary reforms,” he said. Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, warned that the longer the government takes time in holding the election, the more new organisations will emerge and many individuals will present various proposals and aspirations, claiming to represent the people's will. Jamaat calls for uninterrupted reforms dismissing constitutional constraints Even, he said, "If the biggest party in Bangladesh claims that this is the aspiration of the people, it will still not be valid until it is approved by the people." The BNP leader said the rule of the people needs to be established with the confidence of the public, and the democratic government must run the country as per the people’s consent and aspirations. "For that, I believe the necessary provisions should be incorporated, and the constitution should be amended." This rally was organised by the Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani Anusari Parishad, demanding the re-inclusion of Bhasani's biography in the seventh and ninth grade textbooks. Nazrul said the current interim government did not usurp power, as they were entrusted by all with the responsibility to address the people’s daily needs and materialise their aspirations. He said that people have the sole authority to make decisions on important matters related to their emotions, interests, and desires, and it is impolitic to impose any decision on these issues. No alternative to elected govt, says Khosru “We incorporated the system of referendum in the constitution so that people can express their opinions on important state issues, but the previous government deprived them of that right by removing the system,” the BNP leader mentioned. He said the provision of referendum should be reincorporated into the constitution to allow the public to express their views on significant issues. “It won’t be enough to rely solely on the opinions of a few learned and prudent individuals regarding matters that affect the people's interests.” Recalling the role of Moulana Bhasani, Nazrul said the Awami League regime attempted to erase the name and immense contributions of the great leader from history. “They (AL) have already been punished for it. They were not only defeated but had to flee. There is no such instance in the history of this country. Many leaders were previously assassinated and imprisoned, but no one fled the country,” he observed. People won’t wait indefinitely for elections: BNP  The BNP leader said that there are many reasons why the Awami League had to endure such a significant insult. “One of them is that they tried to erase the names of many great sons of the soil. They prioritised not just a party but a family, which is a political crime. They received their punishment. I believe this should be a lesson not just for them but for all of us politicians.” He said everyone’s place in history and their achievements and contributions should be acknowledged. “Otherwise, history won’t forgive you.”   

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said there is no alternative to establishing an elected parliament and government for restoring people's ownership of the country and fulfilling their aspirations. “Now is the time to restore people’s ownership of Bangladesh. This means fully ensuring their right to vote fully so that they can elect a parliament and government that will be accountable to them. There’s no alternative to this,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at the sixth national council of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. Khosru, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, said that a monster like Hasina was created because she never required votes as she usurped power through one-sided elections repeatedly. People won’t wait indefinitely for elections: BNP  He said Sheikh Hasina snatched people's voting rights, violated human rights and undermined the rule of law. “Restoring people's ownership is the main issue now, and this must be achieved by holding free, fair and acceptable elections and reestablishing democracy.” The BNP leader said Sheikh Hasina was removed through a national unity. “We must maintain that unity to achieve our goal of restoring people's ownership of Bangladesh.” He insisted that there has been a significant shift in people's mindset, with new thoughts and aspirations emerging about the future of Bangladesh. Khosru said the nation must move forward to realise the people's desires by maintaining unity. “If politicians fail to understand the nation’s needs and changes in mindset, then politics will have no future,” he warned. He also said there should be no division among political parties on fundamental issues like democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the economic emancipation of the people. The BNP leader acknowledged that while there may be differences of opinion among political parties, they must respect one another to fulfill people's desires through healthy political practices. He also said the only way to restore democratic order in the country is by holding credible, neutral, and inclusive elections through promptly carrying out electoral reforms. Khosru alleged that Sheikh Hasina has destroyed the country's institutions and political structure, which must be reformed. Banning BCL not enough, illegal arms holders must face justice: BNP He mentioned that their party, led by Khaleda Zia, first presented reform proposals six years ago by unveiling the Vision-2030. Later, the BNP leader said that their party, together with other democratic parties, put forward a 31-point proposal for state reforms. “These aren’t just BNP proposals as those were formulated with other parties who’re in our simultaneous movement. Reform isn’t new to us. We need to implement the 31-point reform and form a national government after the elections. We’re committed to this.” He said there are no differences of opinion about the need for electoral reforms to ensure a credible and acceptable election. “This is an easy task. You (govt) just need to form the election commission and update the voter list for a transparent election. The remaining basic reforms can be achieved through national consensus.”

BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Friday urged the interim government to prioritise completing electoral reforms fast, as people will not wait indefinitely for the next national election. “The interim government was tasked with the main issue of ensuring a credible election and restoring people’s voting rights.  However, it is focusing on other issues, straying from the primary problem,” he said. Gayeshwar made the remarks at an introductory meeting of the Munshiganj District unit Nari O Shishu Odhikar Forum at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. He expressed concern over various statements made by some advisers that have raised doubts about holding the election within a reasonable timeframe. “We’ll say Alhamdulillah for everything you do, but it should have a time limit, and patience has a time limit. Create a quick outline of the election and then do the rest,” Gayeshwar said. The BNP leader also pointed out that if the government attempts to address everything, nothing will succeed. "There is no need for new reforms, as the people won’t wait indefinitely for elections." Stating that it is the responsibility of politicians to reform the state, he said the interim government should not take months after months for the reforms. Gayeshwar noted that the BNP has already presented a 31-point reform outline which the government can review and engage in talks with political parties. “Reforms should be based on consensus with political parties. Political problems need to be resolved by politicians,” he observed. The BNP leader said that a plot of depoliticisation initiated during the 1/11 political changeover is still ongoing. "Politics has to be dealt with through politics.” “If you (govt) think that only students put you in power, then you are wrong, and you’ll stumble. The anti-autocracy movement is the final outcome of years of agitation by people of all classes and professions,” he said.

BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Thursday warned that their party leaders and workers will not sit idle if the next national election is not held within a reasonable time. "We want the people who won the country to elect their representatives to form a parliament and government with their votes through a free, fair and impartial election. This was the main point of the revolution,” he said. Speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader said the nation has entrusted the interim government with the responsibility to hold the election to restore their voting rights. He said their party will provide the government with a reasonable timeframe for holding the next election.  “If that time passes, Ziaur Rahman's BNP, under the leadership of Tariq Rahman, will certainly not sit at home and eat peanuts. We will take necessary actions based on reality in the future.” Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, said that they will observe what the government does for some days. “Then we will do what we have done in the past. A death warrant is not significant for us. None of us can be killed when we are ready to die.” Jagrata Bangladesh arranged the discussion titled ‘The responsibilities of the Interim Government and Political Parties in the current context of the country’. Without mentioning the name of any political party, Gayeshwar said some parties demonstrate through their activities that they are coming to power. "There’s no doubt that they are oppressed, but they did not liberate the country... we did it. The nationalist forces of Bangladesh liberated the country with the declaration of independence by Ziaur Rahman, who is the greatest freedom fighter of the country. He’s also the political figure who believed in democracy," he observed. The BNP leader said the interim government has banned the Chhatra League, which is a bold move. "We do not object to it, but whatever actions you take, consider the potential aftereffects." He mentioned that the deposed Awami League regime hanged many leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and subjected them to torture. "But Jamaat did not ban a fascist like Sheikh Hasina." Rizvi said those who committed atrocities under the banner of various organisations and institutions and killed people and engaged in plundering are still living comfortably. "They should be held accountable and an example should be set for the consequences of wrongdoing." He questioned how so many people crossed the border and went abroad, asking, "Thanks to whom? Who encouraged and assisted them in escaping? Who will answer for this? Those who took shelter in the cantonment, how did they get abroad? Who provided the opportunity for criminals to escape without facing justice? Will the government answer for this?" The BNP leader called upon BNP leaders and workers to remain vigilant to prevent a constitutional crisis in the country.