Dhaka: BNP has demanded an immediate announcement of a specific roadmap for the formation of a national parliament by December through fair elections. ‘Otherwise, it will be difficult for BNP to continue cooperating with this government,’ BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said while reading out a written statement at an emergency press conference at BNP chief’s Gulshan office this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the statement of the council of advisers issued following the meeting of Chief Adviser with political parties is ‘ambiguous’, which created confusion among various quarters. ‘BNP is disappointed that there is no clear roadmap for the national elections in the statement,’ said Mosharraf.
He clarified that BNP and other political parties never demanded the chief adviser’s resignation and they still do not want it. ‘But we have been demanding a roadmap for a fair, impartial national election should be held in December under the leadership of the interim government,’ said the senior BNP leader.
Mosharraf emphasized that since reform is an ongoing process, both the reform and the election process can proceed simultaneously. He also mentioned that the trial process of individuals and parties accused of crimes against humanity would continue alongside these efforts.
The statement highlighted that the government is facing challenges in fulfilling its responsibilities due to the influence of ‘defeated forces’ and as part of a foreign conspiracy. Mosharraf asserted that a fair, impartial national election is the only way to stop such influences and conspiracies. Therefore, he urged the government to provide a specific election roadmap immediately.
Additionally, Mosharraf expressed hope that the government would expedite the process for Ishraque Hossain’s oath as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. BNP standing committee members Mirza Abbas, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selina Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, and Major (retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed were also present at the press conference.