The upcoming 12th national parliamentary election in Bangladesh is witnessing the emergence of an alternative leadership platform within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), according to Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
Minister Kamal made these remarks during a press briefing at his office in the Secretariat on Tuesday.
He disclosed that leaders within the BNP have initiated the formation of this alternative platform, suggesting a divergence in opinion regarding Tarique Rahman’s leadership within the party.
“We know that those who cannot accept Tarique Rahman as a leader, those who find it difficult to accept his leadership, will come to the elections soon. They have also created various platforms to participate in the election,” he said.
Highlighting internal dissent within the BNP, he said, “Many of the BNP members do not support the leadership of BNP. That is the reason why they are trying to participate in the election by forming a new party. Again, I have come to know that many BNP members are also trying to become independent candidates.”
Expressing confidence in the electoral process, Kamal emphasized that the Election Commission has set the election date, and it will be conducted at the scheduled time.
He dismissed concerns about BNP’s electoral prospects, asserting that some individuals have turned away from the party.
“They are sure that the BNP will never be able to come to the polls. That’s why they are bad-mouthing and talking nonsense,” he stated confidently.
Commenting on the festive atmosphere surrounding the election, Minister Kamal remarked, “Everyone is thinking about how to make their candidate win. People don’t care about who didn’t turn up or who said what.”
When questioned about the level playing field in the election, the home minister responded, “You will see whether it is there or not. Political parties will promote. Everyone will be campaigning. They will rejoice and celebrate with their candidates.”
Addressing concerns about arrests and legal cases against BNP leaders, Minister Kamal highlighted specific incidents, including arson and sedition, leading to arrests.
He emphasized that actions like vandalism are not appreciated by the people of Bangladesh or any civilized country worldwide.
“I have not received any such news so far. And sabotage is not liked only by the people of Bangladesh; the people of any civilized country in the world do not like it. The more vandalism you do, the more alienated you will be,” Kamal told the reporters.