United News of Bangladesh

BNP senior leader Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed on Saturday expressed concerns that Bangladesh could be drawn into a war without the consent of its people, following the interim government’s decision to allow a ‘humanitarian corridor’ for Myanmar’s Rakhine State. “A new danger has emerged before us in the form of a humanitarian corridor. Are we going to get involved in a war without the consent of the people?” he said while addressing the launching ceremony of the Bangladesh District and Divisional Sports Organisers Association at the NSC auditorium in the capital. Hafiz, a BNP standing committee member, said the people of the country are very worried about the corridor issue. “We are also worried. BNP is the biggest and most popular political party in the country. We don't know how our country is being run.” Hafiz, an army officer–turned politician, said their party wants nothing more than a free and fair election where the people will be able to vote for the party of their choice. “People can bring any party to power, and we won’t have any objection to that.” He said politics and democracy will not flourish if the people of the country are not given the opportunity to elect their representatives through a credible election. ‘Govt’s Election Unwillingness’ Hafiz said BNP, along with other democratic parties, carried out a movement for 17 years to ensure a free, fair and credible election in the country. “But we don’t see any sign of such an election. Knowledgeable persons are saying there’s no possibility of the election in the next two, three or even five years, because the current government doesn’t want it to be held,” he said. Political parties to compromise for state reforms, hopes Ali Riaz The BNP leader said no matter what the government says, their attitude, gestures and the statements of its advisers have given their party the impression that the current administration will not allow democracy to flourish fully. Mentioning that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is a globally renowned figure, he said his party is committed to supporting his administration. “But the democratic system should be restored immediately in the country, respecting the blood of several thousand martyrs. Yet we are unable to understand what they (govt) are planning and thinking about.” Hafiz recalled that he, along with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, met the Chief Adviser on February 10, where Dr Yunus assured them that polls would be held by December this year. He lamented that the Chief Adviser later changed his stance, saying the election would be held by June next year. “In this way, they (govt) are playing a game with the fate of the state.” The BNP leader criticised the negative influence of the Awami League on Bangladesh's sports sector, saying the party has eroded traditional sporting values and lacks a true sportsmanlike spirit. He emphasised maintaining a clear separation between politics and sports, noting that dedicated sports figures possess a distinct mindset and commitment, unlike politicians. “We should keep sports out of political influence so that sportsmen are not harassed or defamed for political affiliations.” Hafiz said he had advised cricketer Shakib Al Hasan not to join the Awami League when the cricketer met him before the last election. “Shakib is now in danger because he did not accept the advice.” Former cricketer Tamim Iqbal, who announced his retirement in February, was also present at the event. During his speech, Hafiz advised Tamim to remain cautious about getting involved in politics.

BNP’s senior leader Hafizuddin Khan has said that the interim government seems to have forgotten that its main responsibility is to transfer power to the people's elected representatives through a fair election. “Most advisers of the current government do not uphold the spirit of the July-August mass uprising… It seems they have forgotten that their main responsibility is to hand over power to the public representatives through a credible election,” he said at a discussion on Sunday. The Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal organised the programme at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) on Sunday. Hafiz, a BNP standing committee member, said the current government becomes upset whenever it hears about the demand for a national election. “Is the election a misdeed or an unjust thing? We sacrificed many lives, were imprisoned repeatedly, endured immense repression, and made numerous sacrifices for the election over the last 16 years.” Exploiting the poor cannot be the rule of law in a democratic country: Moyeen Khan He said the current interim government appears to intend to stay in power for 30 years, which will not be possible. “An unelected government is weaker than an elected government.” He said their party respects the students who played a role in making the mass uprising a success, forcing the fascist Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. The BNP leader, however, said they do not expect the youth to make any comments attacking a senior politician like BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He urged the student leaders not to fear the people, rather approach them with their manifesto and programmes to rebuild the country. “We’ll welcome it if you want to form a party. But you should form the party after coming out of power. People will become dissatisfied if you do it while staying in power, and a question will arise about your neutrality,” said Hafizd. He also warned the student leaders not to tarnish their image by making derogatory remarks about other parties. “The country’s people still respect you. We also value your sacrifices and your struggle for one and a half months. But please don’t ignore the sacrifices BNP and other parties have made over the last 16 years,” he said. “The main characteristic of the interim government is impartiality. They will treat everyone equally. But please, don’t try to form a King’s Party staying in power,” the BNP leader said. BNP’s Khosru seeks impartial interim govt for national election He said Dr Muhammad Yunus is a respected person but lacks experience in running a state. “We don’t see his success. But we will support him because he is a Nobel laureate, well-known worldwide, and a qualified person to lead this government at this moment. But you (Yunus) please, don’t listen to the words of immature youth.” Hafiz urged Prof Yunus to run the country in consultation with wise and talented people in the country and political parties with experience in governance. “If you do that, the people of the country will be with you, but treat everyone equally.” He said their party wants the government to arrange a fair election promptly. “Three months are enough for whatever reforms are needed in the electoral system. So, give the people's government a chance to come to power through a fair election."