Mosharraf urges interim govt to hold polls by Dec for ‘graceful exit’

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Sunday called upon the interim government to arrange the national election by December to ensure its graceful exit.

"We recently met the Chief Adviser and explained why December is the most suitable time for elections. The longer the delay, the more room the cohorts of the deposed regime will have to hatch conspiracies, and we've already seen the signs of that," he said.

Considering all aspects, the BNP leader said it is better to hold elections by December.

"Since it is an interim government, you will have to quit at some point... We believe that if you hold the election by December, you will be able to leave power by handing over power to an elected government with dignity. Nothing could be more graceful than that," he said.

Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 44th death anniversary of BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman.

He also said that the election after December is not feasible as February and March will be occupied with fasting and Eid, while public examinations, including the SSC and HSC, will take place in April and May.

"There is no scope to defer the exams. The exam centres are used as polling centres. So, you won't be able to hold the election in April and May, while June will be the peak of the monsoon season. This time, we saw how much rainfall there was in May and how the entire country experienced monsoon-like conditions. So, we believe the election is feasible only in December," the BNP leader said.

He said that if the election is held in December, it would be convenient for the Election Commission, for the government, and for the people. "We've presented logical arguments for that. If the government has any counter-arguments, they should clarify them... and go ahead and announce the election date. That was the responsibility of the interim government."

Instead of providing any rationale, Mosharraf said, the Chief Adviser went abroad and stated that only the BNP wants the election. "That's not correct."

He said BNP placed its trust in interim government head Prof Muhammad Yunus when he took office. "But we are disappointed with his recent comments in Japan that only the BNP wants the election."|

Mosharraf claimed that it is not only the BNP, but also 52 political parties across the country that want the parliamentary election to be held in December this year. "You've seen today's newspapers... national dailies have reported that 52 parties have united in demanding elections in December, and the names of those parties, their leaders, and their statements have been published in the press."

The BNP leader urged the Chief Adviser not to create further confusion among people regarding the election.

He still expressed hope that the Chief Adviser would realise the reality and remove the controversial advisers from the advisory councils. "If a small advisory council is formed in the style of a caretaker government, they will be able to oversee and conduct the national election properly."

Mosharraf said the BNP is the only popular party in Bangladesh as it has endured and survived through various struggles. "Everybody believes it. Even those who run the government privately tell us that if elections are held in December, the BNP will form the government with a two-thirds majority."

He reiterated BNP's commitment to reforms, reminding that Tarique Rahman announced a 31-point reform outline before the interim government came to power. "Once in office, we will implement those reforms," he said.

Mosharraf said a fresh round of discussions will begin tomorrow (Tuesday) to create a national consensus, and their party will participate in it.

"But we want all political parties to agree on the reform process and move forward with the election. The current crisis in the country is happening because of the lack of elections," the BNP leader said.