BNP chairperson's Adviser Zainul Abedin Farroque urged the interim government to quickly organize a fair election.
He said: "We do not wish for Tarique Rahman to be made Prime Minister. We want Sheikh Hasina, who has committed massacres and oppressed us for the past 16 years, to be barred from politics in this country.”
He added: “The common people, who have been deprived of voting rights for 16 years, should be able to vote freely. Ensure a fair election as soon as possible."
He was speaking on Thursday at a symbolic sit-in in front of the National Press Club.
The event demanded the reinstatement of a public holiday on November 7, marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Addressing the government, Farroque added: “Prepare an election roadmap immediately through which the people of this country can regain their voting rights. The citizens will elect their preferred representatives, who will then decide in parliament who the President should be and what changes to the Constitution might be necessary."
Farroque said: “We do not want to impose ourselves as representatives. We do not want a parliament filled with 154 uncontested members, as in 2014, nor do we want night-time vote casting, as seen in 2018.”
“We seek a legitimate election where people can vote for their chosen candidates and elect them fairly," he added.
To BNP activists, Farroque said: “Sheikh Hasina’s arrogance has led to her downfall. She is now reportedly sheltered in Delhi. However, conspiracies against our nation are far from over, and new plots have started.”
He added: “Our leader has instructed all leaders and activists to remain united and vigilant."
