Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday voiced concern over the growing public doubt about whether the next national election will be held as scheduled, saying that such uncertainty could put the country鈥檚 democratic transition at risk.
鈥楧uring the rule of the fallen, defeated and fugitive autocrat, people had no interest in national elections. Now, under the interim government, questions are being raised among the public 鈥� will the election be held on time?鈥� he said.
While virtually inaugurating the BNP鈥檚 membership collection and renewal drive abroad and online payment gateway activities at a Dhaka hotel, Tarique said such a situation was not supposed to arise under the interim government.
鈥楾he doubts and uncertainty among people about the election may make the path of democratic transition more difficult,鈥� he said.
Tarique said the Awami League established fascism by destroying the country鈥檚 electoral system over the past 15 years only to prevent the BNP鈥檚 victory. 鈥業t is a matter of concern and surprise that even in a fascism-free Bangladesh, a coordinated campaign and various tricks are now being used to block the BNP鈥檚 possible victory.鈥�
As a responsible political party, the BNP leader said their party has from the very beginning chosen the path of compromise to maintain national unity against fascism.
Tarique urged all democratic political parties to remain cautious about any evil attempt that may put them in danger.
The BNP leader said their party is completing all necessary preparations to take part in this much-awaited election. 鈥楢s part of this process, the nomination of BNP candidates or BNP-backed candidates in the country鈥檚 300 parliamentary constituencies is now at its final stage.鈥�
He urged all BNP leaders, workers, and supporters to accept this reality in the greater interest of the country, the people, and democracy.
He said the names of BNP-nominated candidates will soon be announced in phases.
He urged all party leaders and activists not to engage in any behaviour that could disrespect the party founder Ziaur Rahman or its chairperson Khaleda Zia, or embarrass the party鈥檚 countless supporters across the country.
Tarique concluded his speech by launching the BNP鈥檚 online membership and payment gateway through the website , which allows anyone from anywhere in the world to become a member, renew their membership, or donate to the party online.
He said the new digital initiative would help the BNP move forward in step with technological progress.
Tarique said the new opportunity for overseas Bangladeshis to vote for the first time may seem a bit complicated to some, but he congratulated the election commission for opening this avenue.
On women鈥檚 safety, Tarique stressed the urgency of protecting women and children.
Referring to a newspaper report, he said that in August alone, 93 women across the country were subjected to sexual assault, seven of whom were killed afterwards and 89 women were killed during the same period.
鈥楢 society where women and children are not safe cannot be considered truly civilised. I call not only on the BNP鈥檚 women鈥檚 wing but also on the conscious women of Bangladesh and all citizens to pay attention. From your positions, speak with our daughters, mothers, and sisters, prepare local-level proposals to address their problems, and ensure women鈥檚 safety,鈥� the BNP leader said.