Staff Reporter :
BNP Standing Committee member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has issued a strong demand for the dissolution of the Election Commission (EC) within the next 24 hours, emphasising the need for immediate action to uphold democracy.
“This is not the people’s commission. For the sake of democracy, the EC must be dissolved immediately,” declared the BNP leader while addressing a memorial meeting organised by the Jatiotabadi Matsyajeebi Dal at the Jatiya Press Club’s Maulana Akram Khan Hall on Tuesday (27 August).
During his speech, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed accused the Election Commission of vote manipulation, alleging that the commission was involved in stealing votes both at night and even a day before the elections. He further stated, “Every citizen of this country wants democracy. We do not want the rule of a neighbouring country, nor any other foreign rule.”
Hafiz urged the advisory council of the interim government to engage in dialogue with political parties if they truly desire to establish democracy in the country. “Engage in dialogue with the political parties that have had representation in the parliament in the past. Discuss with them how to advance democracy and take recommendations from them,” he advised.
Expressing a willingness to give the interim government time, the BNP leader acknowledged that “Establishing democracy will take time. There is no alternative to elections for establishing democracy in this country. Announce a roadmap soon, and arrange for an election within a reasonable timeframe. Allow the people’s representatives to take responsibility for the state.”
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed also criticised the Awami League-led government, claiming it was supported by India. “If India desires friendship, they should return the murderers to Bangladesh,” he added.