Everyone wants polls in Feb, so no doubt: Salahuddin

Staff Reporter :

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said everyone wants national election to be held in next February, so there is no doubt of holding the polls in the time.

“Has any political party so far said they don’t want elections in February? If anyone knows of such a party, please tell me.

Everyone has said the election should be held in February – in the first half of February. If that is the case, then why should there be any doubt?” the BNP leader said.

He added, “Some parties are agitating for proportional representation (PR). That’s part of democratic practice. We have sacrificed our lives for this very democratic practice.”

Salahuddin Ahmed made these remarks at a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan.

He said the NCP had selectively edited part of his speech delivered at the shrine of martyred President Ziaur Rahman.

He said, “One of my statements was taken out of context yesterday, and a political party held a press conference attempting-or pretending-to create confusion over it.

They brought up a part of my remarks and called upon me to apologize. I welcome that.

This is how political practice should be – democratic practice should work like this. They have spoken with sufficient respect.”

Salahuddin Ahmed further explained, “In response to journalists’ questions about the clash that took place before the signing of the July Charter, I said that a group named July Joddha (July Warriors) had also spoken to us, as well as with the Consensus Commission. They had a legitimate demand.

I myself made a post and spoke publicly in support of addressing that legitimate demand, and Professor Ali Riaz, the Vice-Chairman of the Consensus Commission, properly addressed it, clarified it in the press, and made corrections. Therefore, there should no longer be any dissatisfaction on their part.”

“We have looked into the chaos that occurred,” he continued. “It’s under investigation. It has been found that a few unruly individuals entered under the banner of ‘July Warriors’-some claiming to be students.

From the interviews I’ve seen, I believe these were elements of the fascist regime’s forces – the Awami fascist forces – who are still trying, through various loopholes, to create chaos everywhere.

That has become visible. No genuine July Warrior, no organization or individual actually involved in the July Uprising, could have been part of those unruly incidents. That was my clear statement.”

“In fact,” Salahuddin said, “my intention was to honor the individuals, organizations, and forces involved in the July Uprising – to ensure that no one wrongly accuses the July Warriors of unruly acts or tarnishes their honor.”

He added, “I don’t think my statement was distorted. However, I do feel that the NCP quoted only part of it. Because in the last line of my statement, I clearly said that no genuine July Warrior, no organization or individual connected to the July Uprising, could possibly have been involved in that incident. I do not believe they were involved.”