Now 'mobocracy' reigns supreme across country

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said on Thursday that the current state of governance in Bangladesh resembles 'mobocracy' rather than democracy.

"We led the July (2024) uprising for democracy. But what we see now is mobocracy reigning supreme across the country. We demanded democracy, but what we got is mobocracy," he said while addressing as the chief guest a protest rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal in front of the BNP's central office at Nayapaltan in the capital. "Why has this happened? Who are the people who now dare to challenge the forces of mass uprising? Two factors are behind this situation - the government's indifference and its failure to maintain law and order," Mr Salahuddin commented.

"We never expected that fallen fascist forces would dare to attack those aligned with the spirit of the mass uprising. But why did these attacks happen? The answer lies in the fact that some newly-organised political parties, still unregistered, are acting emotionally and announcing unplanned political programmes," he said while strongly condemning the recent attacks on pro-democracy forces.

"Because of these programmes, the public witnessed fascist forces attacking pro-uprising groups. That is why, dear brothers, we've always advised political newcomers to gain more experience in the political field - and we say the same today. We wish you a bright future and believe you will play a significant role in the future of this country's democracy," he continued. "Since the formation of the interim government on August 8, 2024, we have cooperated in good faith. But now, the forces of the mass uprising are being challenged. Issues are being created deliberately to tarnish the image of BNP," he maintained.

Regarding national election, Mr Salahuddin said that they (BNP) had hoped that after the London meeting (with acting Chairman Tarique Rahman) the Chief Adviser would instruct the Election Commission to prepare for elections in the first week of February.

"Instead, we saw the Chief Adviser meeting with law enforcement agencies and instructing them to prepare - but the Election Commission has yet to receive any formal directive to organise elections," he said.

"We hope the Chief Adviser would soon reassure the nation and the people, and that his office will quickly send that message to the Election Commission," he added.

Mr Salahuddin said that his party would continue to support the interim government.

"People understand that the government wants our cooperation. Those attempting to sabotage the election process must not receive any shelter or support from the government. The public should never feel that the government is favouring a specific party in any way," he mentioned.

The Jubo Dal organised the protest rally and a subsequent demonstration to denounce the deteriorating law and order situation across the country, which they attributed to the inaction of the interim government.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com