Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki on Sunday said it is dangerous to portray calls for an election as part of India’s agenda.
“We need justice, reforms, and elections for our own needs,” Zonayed said while presiding over a memorial meeting held in the morning at the National Press Club in Dhaka, marking the eighth death anniversary of Advocate Abdus Salam, the first executive coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon.
The event, organized by Ganosamhati Andolon, featured a discussion titled “Announce a Clear Roadmap for Immediate Justice, Reforms, and Elections.”
Zonayed said: “If an Indian media outlet or political figure supports elections in Bangladesh, and that is then used to claim that our demand for elections is being driven by India’s interests, such a narrative is extremely dangerous.”
He added: “Under Indian patronage, the Sheikh Hasina government has operated a fascist regime, which led to the formation of national unity against them. But by suggesting that elections are part of India’s agenda, this rhetoric is fracturing that unity and serving India’s purposes. This kind of propaganda only helps rehabilitate the fascists.”
Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque said: “Those who helped Sheikh Hasina become a fascist are now arranging a new setup and continuing business as usual. By nurturing the remaining roots of fascism, they are again attempting to re-establish a fascist regime.”
He added that divisions have emerged among the forces aligned with the people’s uprising. “No leadership of any previous uprisings has ever become as controversial as they are now. It is shameful that many young people are becoming involved in inappropriate activities.”
Saiful also commented that the chief adviser’s statement in Japan, suggesting that only one party wants elections in December, is actually the opposite of the truth. “The remarks made by the chief adviser in Japan are not based on facts.”
Mojibur Rahman Monju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, said there are fundamental grounds on which the chief adviser can be criticized.
“He has failed to unite all political parties. Whether directly, indirectly, or unknowingly, he has caused divisions among them. He could have provided a clear roadmap for reforms, justice, and elections.”
However, he also noted that, beyond constructive criticism, baseless allegations are being spread about the chief adviser.
“In the same way, political parties are also being unfairly undermined,” Monju added.
Meanwhile, Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Md Rashed Khan accused the chief adviser of not giving importance to political parties.
“Every party wants elections in December or January. Those serving as advisers should inform the chief adviser about the true desires of the people,” Rashed said.