Staff Reporter :
BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday cautioned that any failure to hold the upcoming national election within the announced February deadline could trigger both national and regional security risks.
He urged Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to exercise full authority in addressing the critical issues of constitutional reform.
“You already have expert opinions before you. If you find any of their suggestions suitable and choose to put them into practice, you are free to do so – we will raise no objection,” Salahuddin told the Chief Adviser.
He made these remarks while speaking at the meeting of the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy, in the presence of Prof Yunus. Salahuddin also encouraged the Chief Adviser to consult the judiciary if necessary.
“In our view, 15 of the 19 proposals for constitutional reform are not legally implementable in the present circumstances. Yet, if you decide to move forward, consult the courts, or adopt another approach and call us for discussion, you will always find us cooperative,” he assured.
The BNP standing committee member emphasized that reforms, justice, and elections should not be treated as inseparably linked.
“Reforms are a continuous process. Justice, too, has no timeframe – no matter who is in power, trials will continue,” he said.
He recalled that BNP leaders and activists have suffered most under the Awami League government, facing repression, enforced disappearances, killings, and denial of justice.
“Ensuring justice is both our duty and the nation’s duty, and this will go on. But the election must not be held hostage to these issues,” Salahuddin added.
He warned that casting doubt over the February election schedule, as pledged by the Chief Adviser, would only strengthen authoritarian forces.
“Any move that creates scope for fascist elements could become a threat to our national security, and even to regional stability.
It may draw in two regional powers and one global power. We must not allow Bangladesh to fall into that trap,” Salahuddin cautioned.
Reiterating BNP’s stance, he declared that the election must be held on time in February, in line with the Chief Adviser’s announcement.
“There should be no preconditions.
We are confident that with further work by the National Consensus Commission and the Chief Adviser’s own initiative, a solution will emerge,” he concluded.
Other speakers at the event included National Consensus Commission Vice Chair Prof Ali Riaz, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Jamaat leader Hamidur Rahman Azad, and National Citizen Party leader Akhter Hossen. The session was moderated by Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser.
