Govt Postponing Election to Undermine BNP: Dudu

BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Friday alleged that the government is intentionally delaying the national election in order to sideline his party.

“We believe the government is evading the election to sideline BNP and prevent it from forming a government through the people's support and votes,” he said while addressing a youth rally.

Bangladesh Gonotantrik Parishad arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the immediate trace of the whereabouts of missing BNP leaders and activists, including Elias Ali and Chowdhury Alam.

Dudu expressed deep concerns about the interim government’s activities, saying that people are anxious as the government has failed to announce a concrete election roadmap.

“We do not even understand what they want,” he said, sharply criticising the government’s handling of the election issue.

The BNP leader called upon the government to provide a clear and immediate election timeline. “Announce a specific roadmap for establishing an elected government without delay. Tell the nation when the election will be held—what month, what year.”

He also accused the government of creating confusion over the election with vague statements regarding holding it either in December or June. “Put aside this nonsense. We are not prepared for such games.”

Dudu reminded the interim government that the people of Bangladesh previously ousted Sheikh Hasina when she tried to remain in power without elections and public mandate.

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“When we were able to oust Hasina... if another form of fascism arises, the people of Bangladesh will swiftly deal with it,” he said.

The BNP leader recalled that people once welcomed the Dr Muhammad Yunus-led interim government with garlands. “Now, we also wish to bid you farewell in the same manner.”

Dudu expressed frustration that the government has so far failed to take any action to trace the whereabouts of BNP leaders and activists, including Elias Ali and Chowdhury Alam, who were victims of enforced disappearances.

“How tragic it is that we cannot even pray for their souls because we do not know whether Elias Ali and Chowdhury Alam are dead or still alive,” Dudu observed.

He claimed that the entire nation is aware that Sheikh Hasina was responsible for the disappearances of Elias Ali and other BNP leaders as part of her strategy to eliminate political opponents, reports UNB.

“We still don’t know the whereabouts of Elias Ali, Chowdhury Alam and numerous other national, student, and youth leaders. I demand that Sheikh Hasina be awarded the death penalty for the heinous crimes” Dudu said.

He also urged the interim government to take immediate action to ensure trials for those involved in enforced disappearances and murders.