The BNP on Thursday said that it may be forced to reconsider its cooperation with the interim government if a specific roadmap for holding the next general election within December this year is not announced immediately.
Speaking at a press conference, BNP Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain also urged the interim government to immediately relieve certain "controversial advisers".
Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said: “We demand the immediate announcement of a specific roadmap to form a national parliament by December. The people believe that prioritizing public expectations should be the key agenda of the current interim government. If this is not ensured, it will become difficult for the BNP, as a people’s party, to continue cooperating with this government.”
Calling for a reduction in the size of the interim government’s advisory council, he said: “Since the primary responsibility of this government is to organize the national election, it would be preferable to have a small advisory council focused only on routine work, rather than a large, top-heavy one.”
The BNP also demanded the removal of controversial advisers from the advisory council, including the security adviser to the chief adviser.
Mosharraf said: “It is widely known and understood that certain advisers in the interim government are directly or indirectly involved with a new political party. Their presence in the advisory council continues to raise question over the non-partisan and neutral character of the government, and for the sake of protecting its image, they should be relieved of their duties.”
He added: “The recent remarks made by the national security adviser have once again sparked controversy. To preserve the government's image, he must be removed. We have repeatedly demanded the removal of several advisers who are aligned with fascist elements.”
The senior BNP leader further said: “To maintain unity, the interim government was expected to act with maximum neutrality. However, it appears that implementing the political agendas of certain quarters has become part of the government’s action plan. We have consistently voiced this concern.”
Regarding the humanitarian corridor and the issue of the Chittagong port, Khandaker Mosharraf said: “When it comes to the humanitarian corridor and the activities surrounding the port, it is essential to consider whether national interests are being safeguarded. The people of this country do not believe that a temporary interim government has the mandate to make such nationally significant and long-term policy decisions.”
