BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday questioned why reforms are being considered instead of elections, expressing concern that the interim government might be working with a "hidden agenda."
“Is this government working with any agenda and planned design? This is now a big question in people's minds. That is why a smokescreen has been created,” he said while addressing a dua mahfil.
Rizvi warned the government that the consequences would be dire if it attempted to deceive the people.
He also expressed regret that, even nine months after the formation of the current government, no steps have been taken to dismiss the 6 million cases filed against BNP leaders and activists during the Awami League regime.
“I won’t say the government is doing nothing—perhaps they are doing something—but why is the voting right, for which we fought so hard for 15 to 16 years, still being delayed? Why is reform being positioned as a substitute for elections and voting rights?” the BNP leader asked.
He stressed that reforms or any other measures cannot be a replacement for democracy, elections, and the right to vote.
“When we demand elections and voting rights, the government keeps proposing alternatives. But democracy means elections. Democracy means justice,” Rizvi said.
He mentioned that political parties are currently in dialogue with the Consensus Commission regarding reforms as the process nears completion. “But why does Bangladesh’s election timeline still swing between December and June? The government must provide a clear answer,” he added.
Rizvi further alleged that many affiliates of the previous regime still hold key positions in the administration, and no action is being taken against them.
In contrast, he claimed, individuals with ties to the BNP are being systematically excluded from important administrative roles.
