Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chair Tarique Rahman on Friday warned that holding local government elections before national polls, and without first taking action against the fugitive autocrat (Hasina), could risk rehabilitating the collaborators of the fallen fascist regime and undermine Bangladesh鈥檚 democratic future.
He made the remarks while virtually addressing the 5th founding anniversary of the Amar Bangladesh Party.
鈥楢massing hundreds of crores of taka through聽 corruption, the accomplices of the fugitive autocrat across the country are just waiting for the chance to be rehabilitated. Local elections would provide a golden opportunity for the fugitive autocrat to be rehabilitated,鈥� he observed.
Tarique said that those talking in favour of holding the local government elections before the national election might not have considered this aspect.
He said that the ousted, fallen, fugitive autocrat who violated the constitution is attempting to make a comeback.
Aiming for qualitative reforms in state politics and the political empowerment of citizens, the BNP as a political party has consistently demanded the establishment of a national parliament and a government elected directly by the people鈥檚 vote, Tarique said.
鈥業t is a normal democratic practice for a political party to demand elections, but in recent days, there has been a deliberate attempt to create an atmosphere in the country in which just demanding elections is being treated as a crime,鈥� the BNP leader regretted.
He said that dismissing calls for the national election only pleases the fugitive autocrat and insults the democratic people.
Tarique said that while political reforms remain under way, ignoring the demand for elections raises questions about the purpose of these reforms.
He once again urged the interim government to clearly announce a road map for the national elections, saying that neglecting political parties and encouraging depoliticisation can ultimately endanger democracy.
Jatiya Party faction (Kazi Zafar) chair Mostafa Jamal Haider accused the government of deliberately creating new issues to distract from and postpone vital discussions on national elections.
He questioned whether the sudden plan for a humanitarian corridor to Myanmar, said to deliver food aid to Rakhine, is a genuine effort or just a tactic to divert attention.
Ganosamhati Andolon chief coordinator Zonayed Saki said that political parties should agree to key reform issues and let the people decide on disagreements through voting.
He also urged the interim government to announce a clear plan for reforms and elections soon, to avoid further uncertainty.
Saki mentioned that holding elections for both a constitution-reform assembly and the next parliament at the same time can be the best way to ensure real democratic changes with the people鈥檚 support.
National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam called for immediate legal and political measures to remove the Awami League from Bangladesh鈥檚 political landscape.
Referring to the July uprising, he claimed that the people of Bangladesh have already delivered their verdict against the Awami League, rejecting the party both politically and morally.
鈥極nce a mass uprising has happened and the public has forced the (government party) leadership to flee, the issue of the Awami League returning to politics is no longer up for debate,鈥� Nahid said.
He called for an immediate cancellation of the party鈥檚 registration and a ban on its political and organisational activities during any trial process.
The event was presided over by AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju.
Other speakers were Nagorik Oikya president Mahmudur Rahman Manna, political scientist Dilara Chowdhury and AB Party general secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad.
