Election resistance threat an ‘echo of autocracy’, says BNP’s Dr Zahid

BNP senior leader Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Wednesday described the threat to resist the national election in early February as an ‘echo of autocracy’.

“We now hear many things… some are even threatening that the election will not be allowed to hold next February. Such statements seem to echo the behaviour and rhetoric of past dictators,” he said while talking to reporters after paying tribute to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.

Dr Zahid, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks in reaction to National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Nasiruddin Patwary’s comment on preventing the election in February.

He urged political parties to remain active in the field with their programmes instead of issuing threats. “No one can suppress the election journey with threats.”

The BNP leader expressed concern that conspiracies may be underway to derail the national election, even though the Chief Adviser has instructed the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission to complete the polls by mid-February.

“Yet, we hear that some having connections with the government are saying they will not allow the election if certain conditions are not met. At the same time, they also talking about democracy,” he said.

Dr Zahid, along with the newly elected leaders of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman by placing wreaths at his grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital.

Earlier on Tuesday, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said the upcoming election cannot be held in February next year.

Speaking at the National Youth Conference organised by NCP to mark International Youth Day at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka's Farmgate, he said, “The election plan has been announced for February, but it cannot happen then.”

Dr Zahid said the people of Bangladesh are supporters of democracy and want to elect their representatives directly.

 “People do not understand the proportional representation (PR) system because it has never been practised here. Many countries have PR systems, but in major democracies like India, the UK and the USA, the PR system is not followed,” he said.

The BNP leader also said those advocating the PR systems are likely thinking of gaining power through backdoor deals.

He urged political parties making demands to obstruct the election to understand the voice of the people. “Since 2008, people have not regained ownership of the country and could not cast their votes freely. They want to vote without fear and choose their representatives themselves.”

Zahid said those threatening to block the election are ignoring what the people truly want and whether they have public support.

He criticised the government for creating a culture of fear, mismanaging law and order, and failing the education system.

 “No threats can suppress the people. History has shown that neither in 1973 nor during past dictatorships were the people subdued, despite violence, enforced disappearances, and loss of lives. The people’s determination cannot be broken,” the BNP leader said.

Zahid urged all to remain united as they were during the July 2024 movement, work together responsibly for the people, and allow them to choose their leaders who will shape the future of Bangladesh.

 “Our martyrs’ souls will find peace, and those who have been crippled will have some relief. Our responsibility now is to create a national election environment where people can exercise their voting rights freely. The people will decide who their representatives will be,” he said.