BNP leader slams govt for delaying election roadmap

NN Online:

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday accused the government of neglecting its primary responsibility of arranging the national election, saying it is preoccupied with matters beyond its mandate.

Speaking to reporters at a city hotel, Khosru said, “The government is focused on everything except the election. Why aren’t they doing what they are supposed to do? They should immediately announce an election roadmap, allocate time for the process, and concentrate fully on holding the polls.”

He emphasized that the election could be held anytime between August and October, asserting there is no need to wait until December. “If political parties reach a consensus on reforms, it could take just a few hours or days to finalize the process and declare the roadmap,” he added.

Khosru, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, argued that the government could resolve reform issues based on political agreement and move forward with the election without delay.

He underscored that the interim government’s sole responsibility is to ensure a fair election, hand over power to an elected government, and restore democracy and public ownership of the state.

Criticizing recent government actions, Khosru said, “Instead of focusing on elections, the government is making major political decisions, such as allowing a human corridor and handing over Chattogram port management to foreigners. These are not decisions an interim government should make. Such moves could endanger the country’s future.”

“These decisions should be left to an elected government and made in consultation with political stakeholders,” he said. “Why is the current administration taking these steps? What message are they trying to send?”