Staff Reporter :
BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday urged the Chief Adviser to promptly declare a specific date for the national election, accompanied by a roadmap, without using reforms as a reason for delay.
“We are waiting to hear from the Chief Adviser. Please clarify the roadmap and announce the election date,” he said during a discussion at the National Press Club. The event titled “Election Roadmap and Public Expectation.” was organized by Bangladesh Chalak Dal.
Farroque emphasized that the people of Bangladesh do not wish to see the interim government delaying the transition of power to elected representatives under the guise of reforms. “Ultimately, it is the elected representatives of the people who will determine what reforms are necessary,” he stated.
He expressed concern that the public remains uncertain about when the current interim government will hold elections. “The Chief Adviser must consider the perspectives of the political parties that had been repressed in Bangladesh over the last 16 years,” he added.
The BNP leader remarked that announcing an election date would alleviate public anxiety and restore confidence in democracy and the rule of law.
Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, called on Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus to fulfill his responsibilities and align with the aspirations of the people.
He also urged the Chief Adviser to ensure that members of his advisory council speak cautiously. “They should avoid making statements that could harm your reputation. They need to exercise restraint and refrain from comments that could offend public sentiment.”
Farroque called on the advisers to take a stand against the syndicates responsible for inflating the prices of essential commodities such as sugar and onions.
He criticized the government for failing to apprehend the syndicate members who have profited massively and transferred their ill-gotten gains abroad over the past 16 years by manipulating the market.
He also appealed to the government to prevent market manipulation by Awami League-linked entities during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
Farroque warned the public of a conspiracy to eliminate nationalist forces and erase the legacy of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman from public memory.
The BNP leader accused the Awami League of plotting to destabilize the country by instigating attacks on members of the Hindu community.
He concluded by asserting that deposed autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina must face trial in Bangladesh and be held accountable for alleged misdeeds, including killings and repression.
