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BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Wednesday expressed doubts over whether the interim government will hold the election on time in line with people's expectations, as some cohorts affiliated with the Awami League are allegedly trying to mislead the chief adviser to disrupt the polls.
"The Election Commission will conduct the election as per people's expectations. Dr Muhammad Yunus has placed us in an embarrassing situation by suggesting that the election will be held in December or June," he said at a discussion.
Ganatantra Forum organised the programme titled ‘Democracy, Reform and Reality in the Current Context’ at the Jatiya Press Club, UNB reports.
After the chief adviser said the election would be held by December, Abbas pointed out that one of his officials had stated it would take place by June. “He (the chief adviser) later endorsed it. So, there is quite a strong argument to be made that this is an effort to prevent the election from taking place.”
Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, said there is a saying—hope for the best and prepare for the worst. “From that worst-case thinking, I believe the government probably won't hold elections anytime soon. I see no indication of that happening. This is my personal opinion, not my party’s.”
He, however, still hopes the government will take steps toward holding the election in line with the people's aspirations. “There’s no alternative to the election.”
Abbas said BNP wants both reforms and elections. “But there is no need for unnecessary reforms beyond what the people require. Elections are the alternative to elections. We must hold the election after implementing the reforms necessary for the people of the country.”
He warned Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that cohorts of the Awami League, including four serving secretaries, a retired secretary, and some advisory council members, would attempt to steer him away from the right path. “They will destroy all your achievements and reputation.”
Abbas said the BNP and the people of the country want to uphold the dignity of Professor Yunus and ensure the chief adviser’s success in building a prosperous Bangladesh.
He said former fascist ruler Sheikh Hasina, along with her party leaders, activists, and government officials in the administration and law enforcement agencies who were involved in misdeeds, must be brought to justice.
“Our struggle against those who want to rehabilitate the Awami League in the country will continue,” the BNP leader said.