NCP creating ‍‍`Chaos‍‍` to postpone elections, allegation by Farroque

Zainul Abdin Farroque, an advisor to BNP chairperson, has accused the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP) of creating ‘chaos’ in a bid to delay the national parliamentary elections. 

He also stressed the urgent need for a clear election roadmap to prevent the ruling Awami League from taking advantage of delays in the electoral process.

In a civic rally held in front of the National Press Club on the morning of March 12, Farroque made these statements. 

He claimed that the NCP’s actions were part of a deliberate attempt to push back the election date. 

He said, “Those who, after long periods in prison and hardship, managed to oust this fascist government, are now saying that this new party is once again trying to create chaos to delay the elections. People are starting to say these things.”

Farroque went on to demand an election roadmap be made public immediately.

He said, “Our party, BNP, has clearly told this government that we will carry out reforms, but under the guise of reforms, the Awami League’s allies might seize the opportunity to interfere. To prevent this, you should release the election roadmap without delay.”

Farroque also referred to the NCP’s proposal to hold both a Constituent Assembly election and a national parliamentary election, which they had presented to the government. 

He added, “I do not understand the Constituent Assembly. What I understand is that I had 84 cases against me, spent 9 years in jail out of 16 years, and as a political activist and freedom fighter, I want to claim from Professor Muhammad Yunus that we do not need a Constituent Assembly. What the people of Bangladesh want is a free and fair national election.”

He continued, "We need an election where there is no voting by dead people and where a fair election, like the one supervised by Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, is conducted, allowing all participating parties to form a government and address reforms in Parliament."

Farroque also highlighted that the political parties involved in the movement, led by Tarique Rahman, have been demanding a swift election. 

He stressed, “The political parties that were part of the movement have demanded that elections be held as soon as possible.”

The BNP leader emphasized that, to judge the current government, a government of elected representatives is essential. 

“No more delays. We need immediate assurance of people’s votes and arrangements for a fair election.”

The civic rally, which was organized by the Democracy Forum, also aimed to raise awareness about various pressing issues, including violence against women, oppression, rape, online harassment, and the overall worsening law and order situation.

The event was presided over by Khalilur Rahman, president of the Democracy Forum, and moderated by Abdullah Al Naim from the Farmers’ Party. 

Other speakers included Kazi Moniruzzaman from the Tanti Party, Jahangir Alam and Kader Siddiki from the Farmers’ Party, Mominur Rahman Sujon, and Ismail Hossain Siraji from the Democracy Forum, among others.