BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday warned that no one should even consider the minus two formula again or engage in any actions aimed at excluding the BNP as part of a plot.
Speaking at a memorial meeting, he also said there were failed attempts to depoliticize and implement the minus two formula during the 1/11 political changeover in 2007.
"No one should even think about following that path. We want to make it clear that you should not try to do anything to exclude the BNP as part of any plots, because the people of Bangladesh will never accept it," Fakhrul said.
He said the Awami League tried to split the BNP in various ways but failed, and no one will be able to do so in the future either.
Without naming anyone, he criticized an adviser in the interim government for making an unexpected and unwarranted comment suggesting that politicians are restless to gain power. “This is very unfortunate. We do not expect an individual of his stature to make such remarks.”
The Dhaka south city unit of the BNP organized the program at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh to mark the fifth death anniversary of Sadeque Hossain Khoka, former mayor of the undivided Dhaka city and BNP vice chairman.
Earlier on Saturday, Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said: "There is no money in the banks. Politicians seem desperate to gain power, and we, too, wish to return to our work."
Fakhrul emphasized that politicians not only aspire to return to power, but they have also sacrificed their lives, endured repression and suppression, and worked tirelessly to free Bangladesh from Sheikh Hasina's grip.
He said they are advocating the prompt restoration of democracy by holding national elections, as the longer the government delays the polls, the greater the chance Hasina and her cohorts will have to regain power.
"I would like to reiterate that an atmosphere for holding the elections should be created quickly by removing corruption from state institutions. You have been given that responsibility, and we are cooperating with you. Now, you should cooperate with us. Do not try to mislead people by claiming that we are anxious to return to power,” the BNP leader said.
As a political party, he said that the BNP aims to return to power, with its leaders and workers actively engaging in politics to run the country and ensure the welfare of the people.
Fakhrul described how BNP leaders and workers faced various acts of repression and sacrificed their lives during Awami League rule, stating that the immense sacrifices of the BNP cannot be in vain.
He urged BNP leaders and workers not to engage in any actions that could tarnish the party’s image or lead to criticism. “Do not let anyone do that. Keep it in mind,” he said.
The BNP leader observed that Bangladesh still cannot overcome the crisis, even though the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina has fled to India.
“We have been freed from the grasp of an awful monster, but there is no relief, as it seems we are still trapped since a government of the people has not yet been established,” he said.
Fakhrul expressed support for the interim government headed by a respected figure like Dr Muhammad Yunus, which will oversee the government until the elections are held.
“Our Madam (Khaleda Zia) has always respected him, and we hold him in high regard as well. The entire world respects you (Yunus). You have a huge reputation globally, and maintaining that is now your major responsibility. You have been entrusted with the task of restoring democracy in Bangladesh, which means you must hand over power to an elected parliament and government by conducting a fair and acceptable election,” he said.
Fakhrul said the Awami League devastated the country and its economy over the past 15 years by plundering and siphoning off public funds abroad. “The greatest damage has been done to the morale of the people of Bangladesh, and now thieves are everywhere, from banks to other offices.”
He recalled Sadeque Hossain Khoka's contributions to the country’s Liberation War, nation-building, and the strengthening of the BNP.
From head to toe, Fakhrul said, Khoka embodied the spirit of a politician who was genuinely friendly and approachable with his workers.
The BNP leader said they feel the absence of a charismatic leader like Khoka during any national and political crisis.