NN Online:
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday warned that political instability is deepening and called on the interim government to immediately initiate steps toward holding national elections. He stressed that any further delay could worsen the situation and risk empowering anti-democratic forces.
“The situation is becoming increasingly complicated with each passing day. Those who do not believe in democracy or a just, exploitation-free society are regrouping,” Fakhrul said.
He was speaking at a discussion titled ‘Expectations of the Mass Uprising and the Path to Democratic Transition in the Country’, organised by Ganatantra Manch at the Jatiya Press Club.
Fakhrul urged the interim government to identify the current political bottlenecks and open dialogue with all parties to chart a path toward credible elections.
“Engage in discussions without unnecessary delay. That’s the only way forward,” he stated.
The BNP leader said the fall of the previous government on August 5 created a historic opportunity to reshape the nation’s political landscape. However, he cautioned that this moment could be lost if immediate reforms and election preparations are not initiated.
Expressing alarm at recent incidents of mob justice, targeted killings, muggings, and enforced disappearances, Fakhrul warned that failure to act now could push the country further backward.
“The people, especially the youth, have repeatedly sacrificed to create opportunities for change. It would be unacceptable and irresponsible to squander this chance,” he added.
Fakhrul emphasized that the responsibility for stabilizing the country rests with the interim government, particularly in advancing electoral and systemic reforms linked to the July Charter.
“The more we delay, the murkier the situation becomes. Anti-democratic and anti-national forces are regrouping and working to derail the democratic process once again.”
He expressed hope that interim government leader Dr Muhammad Yunus would rise to the challenge of uniting the country and leading it toward meaningful democratic transition.
Labeling the BNP as a party committed to democratic values, Fakhrul reiterated the party’s willingness to take responsibility through elections to build a people-centric, welfare-oriented state.
“The spirit of 1971 and our independence is embedded in our philosophy. There can be no compromise on that,” he said. “We believe in dialogue, tolerance, and the acceptance of differing views as the foundation of restoring true democracy.”
Leaders of other political parties, including Zonayed Saki of Ganosamhati Andolan, Nurul Haque Nur of Gono Odhikar Parishad, Akhtar Hossain of the National Citizen Party, and Saiful Haque of the Revolutionary Workers Party, also spoke at the event, echoing calls for democratic reforms and timely elections.
