Shifting focus from other issues to elections

BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday called on the interim government to shift its focus to holding a participatory and credible national election rather than other issues.

Speaking in a discussion, Chief Advisor Prof. He called on Muhammed Yunus to be vigilant so that people’s love and respect for him does not decrease.

In his speech to the government, the BNP leader said, “We must give the government time and hope that they will use it wisely. Focus on the elections without paying attention to other issues.” he said.

Fakhrul sees no alternative other than holding a fair, impartial, inclusive and acceptable election to ensure the country’s survival and progress because establishing a democratic state is the “biggest” challenge facing the people.

He expressed hope that the government would arrange elections within a reasonable period of time, allowing the people to form their own parliament with their own votes. “This is what the people want,” he said.

National People’s Party organized a program at Dhaka Correspondents’ Association on the occasion of its 17th anniversary.

Fakhrul said the interim government has formed a search committee that will form the Election Commission. “Although we did not think this was a very important issue, we expected them (the government) to consult the political parties before establishing it, as we hoped that the committee would carry out its responsibilities properly,” he said.

The BNP leader hoped that the new commission would arrange elections immediately.

He said that since the recently resigned Election Commission, led by Kazi Habibul Awal, had fixed the elections within three months, the new commission should also be able to do the same. “It is absolutely possible if there is the will to make it happen.”

Fakhrul said his party believes that this government has no political agenda, while Prof Yunus has made it clear that he has no political agenda.

“I want to say to Dr Muhammad Yunus that you are highly respected around the world and the people of Bangladesh love and respect you deeply. They want this to continue. My request to you is to be vigilant to ensure that your position is not damaged.” in question.

Fakhrul stated that the country is going through a critical period and pointed out that the struggle for democracy continues with various intrigues.

He warned that the state would be in great danger if any imprudent action was taken or mistakes were made out of pure emotion as many efforts were being made to threaten the existence of the nation. “We must remember these words.”

He observed that everyone must remain vigilant because “fascists are still active.” “Changing just one person cannot change the entire structure of fascism.”

He said that young people brought change to the country with a bloody struggle and great sacrifices. “And it’s their responsibility to maintain that… we need to solve a lot of the problems that we have.”

Stating that the interim government is not political, the BNP leader said that it came forward to help the nation. “But politicians need to solve problems, and no problem can be solved without politicians.”

Fakhrul thanked the government for setting up various commissions for state reforms. “We hope that the government will receive the reports from the reform commissions and present them to the public and move this forward. I want to make one thing clear: All reforms must be approved by the people and accepted by the people.”

He warned that reforms would never be sustainable without public participation. He emphasized that success cannot be achieved by imposing reforms from above. “Eyüp Khan tried, Erşad tried, but it was not possible. Nothing can be done against our country and the culture of the people.”