Chief Adviser’s speech lacks roadmap for transition to democracy: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday voiced frustration that Chief Adviser Dr Mohammad Yunus‍‍` address to the nation lacked a roadmap for transition to democracy.

Speaking at a discussion, he hoped that the interim government will soon engage in talks with political parties to make a decision on the national election and state reforms.

 “We’re still in a state of confusion as things remain unclear.  We had anticipated that the Chief Adviser would present a roadmap. But we didn’t find that roadmap for moving to democracy in his speech,” the BNP leader said.

 He said the Chief Adviser, in his speech, indicated some reforms, but these cannot be implemented in a short timeframe.

However, Fakhrul expressed optimism, noting that they believe the situation is moving in a positive direction for the benefit of the people.

Fakhrul said Dr Yunus correctly stated that the timing of the election is a matter of political decision. “It will surely be determined by a political decision. But, for this decision to be made, the government needs to engage in discussions with political parties and politicians.”

He expressed hope that the Chief Adviser will soon begin talks with the political parties in this regard.

A faction of Jatiya Party (Zafar) arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 9th death anniversary of its founder Kazi Zafar Ahmed.

 Earlier on Sunday evening, Interim government’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation and assured that a free, fair, and participatory election would be arranged after completing necessary reforms in the administration, judiciary, election commission and electoral system.

He, however, said the timing of the election is a political decision, and it is up to the people to determine how long the interim government will remain in power.

Fakhrul said the BNP needs to proceed with great patience and caution as it aims to give the interim government the opportunity to perform its duties. "We’ve repeatedly said we’re willing to give them a reasonable a logical time to arrange a free and fair election."

He said people will not accept a return to the previous situation where they lost all their rights.

 “So, we are waiting with patience, and the people are waiting. But it must happen within a reasonable time frame. I believe that within this reasonable time frame, there will definitely be an election and a government formed by the people,” the BNP leader said.

Fakhrul appreciated the Chief Adviser for his remark that they will create a situation where no one can turn the country into a police state. “This is very good. This is exactly what we have always wanted... If they do this, we will fully support their efforts.”

 “We don’t want Bangladesh to become a police state, where the police control us, dictate what we can and cannot do, falsely accuse us, take money from us, and ruin our lives through corruption... We do not want to see our people being shot at,” he added.

The BNP leader said Dr Yunus assured that justice must be ensured for all extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. “This is what we want, and we repeatedly state that this justice must be served.”

Fakhrul said the current government must withdraw around 6 million false and fictitious cases filed against BNP and other party leaders and activists by the previous Awami League regime.

“We have seen in the newspapers that cases against the Chief Advisor have been withdrawn and cases against another advisor have also been dropped... the sentences have been annulled. We hope that the 145,000 cases against us will also be withdrawn immediately,” he observed.

Fakhrul lent his support to the Chief Advisor‍‍`s statement on police reform, saying they want the police to be transformed into an ideal force for the people. “We want this, and we want it to happen very quickly."

He noted that students, together with the public, thwarted an attempt by Ansar members to create chaos by laying siege to the Secretariat. “It’s an ominous sign as the defeated forces are trying to undermine the victory of the people by hatching various plots.”

He called upon the people to remain alert to these plots by vested interests and not to pamper the troublemakers.

Fakhrul urged the various aggrieved groups to exercise patience and refrain from laying siege to the Secretariat and other government establishments.

At the same time, he also called upon students not to create situations with unnecessary use of force that could disrupt administrative functions.

“We have seen that students in some schools and colleges are pressuring teachers to resign. There are proper procedures for this; you can lodge complaints, and if proven, action will be taken. But teachers should be allowed to continue their work,” the BNP leader said.

He said individuals in the administration who supported and aided this fascist government and were involved in killings still remain in place.

“We do not want to see their faces anymore. I say again, please remove these individuals as soon as possible and bring in patriotic people who want to work and those who have been deprived. Ensure that the administration is run by them. Otherwise, the nation will not forgive you for this,” Fakhrul warned.