Delayed return to democracy could see ‘another system’ take over, fears Fakhrul

The BNP leader warns the interim government against spending too much time on reforms

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged not to waste time over the reforms that the interim government is proposing, warning that if the democratic system is not restored quickly, some other form of governance might take hold.

The BNP leader also voiced concerns that an “unstable environment” might be created in the country surrounding Durga Puja.

Fakhrul made the comments on Friday afternoon at a gathering at Kapasia High School ground in Gazipur. The event was held in memory of the late BNP leader ASM Hannan Shah on his eighth death anniversary, during which Fakhrul discussed national politics.

Calling for swift elections, the BNP leader said, "Everyone must remain alert to ensure that no other system takes over if there is a delay in returning the country to a democratic framework. The entire administration must be swiftly reformed to make the country suitable for a fair and credible election."

Regarding the issue of Muhammad Yunus leading an interim government after the fall of the Awami League government, he said: “The head of this government is a Nobel laureate. This government wants reforms, and we also believe in reforms. However, too much time cannot be wasted in the name of reforms.

“We believe in their words, that they will conduct elections in the shortest possible time and transfer power to a democratically elected government.”

Fakhrul also demanded the withdrawal of all cases against BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman. "All 'conspiracy-driven false cases' against Tarique must be withdrawn, and arrangements must be made for his return to the country. At the same time, all cases filed against the party leaders and activists must also be withdrawn, as the level playing field will not be established unless these cases are withdrawn."

Accusing police of demanding bribes from activists when they appear in court, Fakhrul said: “If you can’t pay, they arrest you, they file cases. Our leader Hannan Shah was arrested several times while attending court hearings in false cases."

Fakhrul alleged that the Awami League government has "disappeared" around 1,000 BNP members. “Thousands of people have been shot dead. Six million people have been charged with 'false' cases. Due to the government's persecution, BNP leaders and activists could not even sleep in their homes,” he remarked.

He also warned that the crisis is not over even though Sheikh Hasina has left the country.

DURGA PUJA SUPPORT PROMISED

Alongside expressing concerns about the potential for creating an "unstable situation" during Durga Puja, Mirza Fakhrul has also assured the Hindu community of his party's support.

He said, "Durga Puja is approaching. To my Hindu brothers, I want to say that you are citizens of an independent Bangladesh. Just as you are, we have always stood by you.

"I can assure you that all the people of Bangladesh will stand with you, and we are united to ensure that your Puja celebrations are not disrupted in any way."

The BNP leader also warned of ongoing conspiracies to shut down garment factories across the country, including in Gazipur.