The BNP is giving the interim government time to create a conducive environment for holding elections, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Monday after a discussion with interim government Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Mirza Fakhrul also said that the BNP delegation did not discuss the election during their meeting with the Chief Adviser.
"It will take some time to organize the election, and we have allowed that time," he added.
Top BNP leaders, led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, exchanged views with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday afternoon. The meeting lasted about an hour.
The BNP leaders arrived at Jamuna at around 3:30pm, following an invitation from the Chief Adviser. The delegation, led by Mirza Fakhrul, included BNP standing committee members Khandker Mosharref Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Selima Rahman.
Speaking to reporters, Mirza Fakhrul said: “As I mentioned earlier, it will take some time to create a suitable environment for the elections. We are supporting them in all matters.”
After the meeting, which concluded around 5pm, he said: "The Chief Adviser invited us, and we discussed various issues. Essentially, the fascist government that has been suppressing democracy, oppressing the people for 15-16 years, and depriving them of their democratic rights has established a fascist rule."
Mirza Fakhrul also emphasized: "We made it clear that people should not be misled by attempts to create instability, chaos, or communal arson in the country. We urge the public to support the government in maintaining religious harmony and ensuring the safety of the people. We fully support these efforts."
The BNP leaders noted that this was the first time the interim government had met with BNP leaders after the fall of the dictatorial government through the students' movement and taking charge in a free environment. They shared their views on the current situation, and the government also expressed its opinions.
Referring to the Awami League, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul said: "Unfortunately, despite so many murders and tortures, that party continues to make various statements."
He believes the government needs to take action in this regard and engage in dialogue with all parties, but not with those responsible for killings.
Pointing to Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, Fakhrul accused a group of fleeing the country and plotting to undermine the victory from India.
Additionally, BNP leaders complained to the Chief Adviser that the Awami League is attempting to destabilize the country.
Following the meeting with the BNP, the Chief Adviser also met with the Jamaat-e-Islami. However, it remains unclear whether the ban on the party by the Ministry of Home Affairs is still in effect.
After the meeting, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that his party wants to give time to the newly formed interim government to formulate plans to move the nation forward.
Fakhrul: Remain vigilant against AL's blueprint for revenge"You know that the nation is currently at a turning point. We came here at the invitation of the chief advisor. We discussed what steps should be taken to move the country forward," he added.
"The country belongs to all of us. If the country is well, we will be well. If we work with a positive attitude and cooperate with each other, and if we support those who are currently in charge, I believe the country will move towards order and prosperity,” the Jamaat Amir further said.
When asked what was discussed in the meeting, he said: “We expressed sympathy and wished for the recovery of those who have been injured. We discussed various good and bad aspects of the country.”
The Chief Adviser was also scheduled to meet with leaders of the AB Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gono Odhikar Parishad (Part), CPB-Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, and Ganatantra Mancha.
