Delay in announcing election roadmap fuelling unrest, says BNP's Zainul Abedin

Speaking about reports of Muhammad Yunus’s possible resignation, he said, “If someone as revered as you steps down in disgrace, it will deeply sadden us.”

BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farroque has pointed to delays in announcing a timeline for the national election as the main reason behind simmering political tensions in the country.

“There seems to be a growing sense of instability in the country. Who is behind this unrest? Who is trying to delay the election? We wanted to know these things from a respected figure like you [Chief Advisor] Muhammad Yunus," he said at a protest rally on Friday.

“We heard you [Yunus] said the election will be held in July. Whether it’s July or December, if you had just given a roadmap, those of us who led the movement, who were imprisoned during [ousted prime minister Sheikh] Hasina’s rule, who faced thousands of cases, could have sat with you. But you still haven’t announced an election roadmap.”

Farroque continued, “If this unrest has been caused by your side, then the BNP will never accept it.”

He demanded that the date for the parliamentary election be announced without delay.

The protest programme was organised in front of the National Press Club by the group "Aparajeyo Bangladesh" to call for resistance against plots to "sabotage the national election”.

Addressing the interim government, Farroque said: “Go ahead with reforms, but don’t take any initiatives that become a gateway for others to take control of Chattogram Port. Don’t carry out reforms that allow conspirators to delay the election and plunge the country into chaos. To avoid further unrest, you must announce the election schedule within a day or two.”

Referring to reports indicating that Yunus was considering resignation, Farroque said: “If someone as revered as you steps down in disgrace, it will sadden us. Let your name be written in golden letters in history akin to Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, for overseeing a proper election, holding polls in broad daylight, and restoring our right to vote.

“That way, future generations will be proud of you as a figure of integrity. So we urge you to immediately write to the three [Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Mahfuj Alam, and Khalilur Rahman] and ask them to resign from the Advisory Council.”