Announce election date without trickery: BNP to govt

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Tuesday called upon the interim government to immediately announce the election date and present a clear outline for state reforms, without resorting to any trickery.

Speaking at a discussion, he also said those who describe the recent mass uprising as the "second independence" are actually against the country's independence, the Liberation War, and the proclamation of independence by Ziaur Rahman in 1971.

"Clearly inform the nation when the election will be held, without any deceit or manipulation. The nation wants to know the election date. If you leave the nation in uncertainty, there is no reason for them to sit idle and watch your mockery," he said.

The BNP leader said the country's situation is currently murky, and it may become even more complicated in the days to come. "In these challenging times, we want to believe that the current government will show the nation a ray of hope. But I urge them not to do anything that will cause the nation to lose faith in you."

As their party has been talking about election, he said someone within the government has said BNP has become crazy to return to power. “In reply to this if we say you’re not talking about the election as you are crazy to stay in power.”

Abbas said the BNP has been struggling for 17 years to restore democracy and people's freedom of expression. "Those who claim that we are desperate to return to power are mistaken. In reality, we are fighting to restore the rights of people."

Muktijoddha Projonmo and Projonmo Academy organised the programme titled "The Spirit of the Liberation War and Today's Bangladesh" at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), marking the 21st death anniversary of veteran freedom fighter Mesbah Uddin Ahmed Sabu.

Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, criticised the government's advisers for making confusing statements about the reforms and the election. "You're not saying anything clearly about how long it will take to implement these reforms. In fact, we do not see any signs of reform. You are not saying anything clearly also about the election," he said.

The BNP leader said people within the government are also making misleading remarks about constitutional amendments and changes to the constitution. "Who are you to amend the constitution? Will you change the constitution without Parliament? You must remember that the constitution is not a rough draft that you can alter as you wish," he stated.

Abbas said it is imperative to seek the opinions of the freedom fighters and other relevant stakeholders if the government wishes to amend the constitution.

He observed that some individuals, who had fled abroad instead of joining the movement against the Awami League government, have now returned home and are speaking out loudly. "They’re also talking about changing the constitution."

The BNP leader said an abnormal situation has been prevailing in the country as the government is not clarifying its position on the election and the reforms.

"The people of the country want peace, they want relief. Enough is enough—give us peace, give us back relief. You came for elections, but now you are talking about reforms without any clear outline. Tell the people clearly what you intend to do. We won’t let you do whatever you want at your whim, leaving the nation in the dark," he said.

Abbas hoped that good senses would prevail upon the government to take steps for holding the national election without any unnecessary delay. "The people of the country did not accept an unelected government in the past, and they will not accept one in the future."

The BNP leader said it is not understandable why their party's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, is unable to return to the country. "We don’t understand why his cases, or the cases against us, are not being withdrawn. These cases can be removed through an ordinance, but you are not doing this.”