The BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance on Wednesday said no doors were left open for an understanding to resolve the prevailing political standoff after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s statement that the next general elections would be held by January 24 with the current parliament being functional.
“We want to say clearly that the BNP-led 18-party alliance is not accepting such decision…” Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, acting secretary general of the BNP, said after holding a secretary general-level meeting with the allies at the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters.
The BNP spokesperson reiterated that they would not participate in any election except under a non-partisan interim government. “People too will not accept elections under a partisan government.”
He pointed out that the ministers on several occasions had said there was scope for an understanding. The problem could be solved only if the prime minister took the right decision.
Fakhrul said: “There is no example across the world where a parliamentary election is held, when a particular government is still functional. But the prime minister is repeatedly saying that elections will be held in Bangladesh like other democratic countries across the globe.”
He said the people were not only disappointed over the prime minister’s speech, but also worried. “The government wants to establish ‘Baksal-style’ [one-party] democracy in the country, not even a ‘controlled democracy.’”
On Monday, the prime minister said the upcoming elections would be held within the last 90 days of the government’s term. However, no policy decisions will be taken during that time since the parliament will be dissolved once the election process begins.
Issuing a note of warning, Fakhrul said tough programmes would be waged to compel the government to ensure a non-partisan interim administration.
On the next course of action, he said: “We have our own strategy and you will be informed in due course.”
Fakhrul said global leaders, including the United Nations Secretary General had called upon leaders of the two major political parties to engage in talks to reach a mutual understanding over the poll-time government.
Condemning the arrest of Hefazat-e-Islam leader Mufti Md Wakkas, the BNP spokesperson said: “The allegations brought against him are politically motivated. Mufti Wakkas is a seasoned politician, former minister and an Islamic scholar.”
