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Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday accused the interim government of creating confusion about the national election by making contradictory statements, similar to those of the ousted autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina.

‘We see attempts to create confusion about the election. December, June or March – they are making different statements at different times. This is similar to some of Sheikh Hasina’s statements,’ he said.

Rizvi made the comments while distributing Eid gifts among rickshaw-van auto-rickshaw drivers on behalf of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.

He called upon the government to assure the nation about the election by announcing a clear and specific deadline for the polls, rather than making such contradictory statements.

The BNP leader criticised those who claimed the  movement was not for only to hold the national election. ‘The movement was carried out because Sheikh Hasina did not ensure free and fair elections. She turned the country into a battlefield to cling to power,’ he said.

Rizvi said that the interim government was formed after a massive movement, with many sacrifices and much bloodshed.

Although the interim government was not directly elected by people, Rizvi said that it enjoyed the support of the people of the country and all the parties involved in the anti-fascist movement.

He urged the government to take steps to eliminate the confusion surrounding the election in order to maintain public confidence.

Rizvi also lamented that workers from 122 garment factories had still not received their wages, and workers from 150 garment factories had not received their festival allowances.

He said that it was the government’s responsibility to ensure the payment of workers’ wages and allowances, demanding that these be arranged without delay.

‘The government should act as an intermediary between employers and workers. The responsibility for these matters lies with the government,’ he said, adding, ‘If a worker goes hungry or does not receive their salary before Eid, their family will not be able to enjoy the festive spirit. This is a philanthropic duty the government should have addressed.’

Rizvi mentioned that 17 rickshaw drivers lost their lives during the July-August uprising, and their families were enduring extreme hardship.

He said that the families of those who were killed in the anti-fascism movement should not be left to suffer from hunger. ‘The government must take responsibility for these families, ensuring that their children receive proper education. Those family members who are eligible for employment should be provided with jobs.’