The interim government has announced that the national election will be held in February next year. However, if the election is not held within this timeframe, a dangerous situation may arise, warned BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu.He made the remarks on Friday (October 10) while addressing the fourth founding anniversary of the Nationalist Citizens’ Council at the Sagor-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity. Shamsuzzaman Dudu said that the BNP, Jamaat, and all other political parties have the right to express their respective opinions, but there must be unity on one issue — the establishment of a democratic government elected by the people’s vote. “The people of this country have been deprived of their right to vote in the past three elections. The elections turned into a mockery. Therefore, the upcoming election must be fair, transparent, and credible,” he emphasized.
Criticizing India’s role, the BNP leader said, “India has never stood for democracy or freedom. It has always used Bangladesh for its own interests and viewed this country as a field for exploitation. India is now spreading propaganda worldwide that minorities in Bangladesh are being persecuted — which is completely false. Even many Hindu citizens themselves have held press conferences to deny these allegations. Hence, we must remain cautious and vigilant about India’s activities.”
Dudu further alleged that “anti-Bangladesh forces and a powerful group from a neighboring country are conspiring against the nation, and Sheikh Hasina is taking refuge in their support.”
He said, “Bangladesh was supposed to move toward an election within three months, but that did not happen. The government has promised to hold elections in February. We sincerely hope that the election will be held by then. Otherwise, the ongoing conspiracies by anti-Bangladesh elements — supported by a powerful neighboring force — may push the country toward a grave crisis, with Sheikh Hasina sheltering under their influence.”
The event was presided over by the acting president of the Nationalist Citizens’ Council, Md. Mainul Islam Talukder (Badol). Other speakers included BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and freedom fighter Abdus Salam, Senior Joint Convener of the Tanti Dal Dr. Kazi Moniruzzaman (Monir), “Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolon” President K. M. Rokibul Islam Ripon, and Joint Convener of the Tanti Dal Advocate Md. Mojibur Rahman Toton, among others.