Staff Reporter :
The BNP on Monday stressed on public role in political decisions in the country.
“We have been asked to clarify BNP’s stance on banning the Awami League and Jatiya Party.
Why should the BNP need to clarify its position on this issue?” It is ultimately up to the people of the country to determine whom to accept or reject, through a transparent national election,” BNP Standing Committee Member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy said while addressing at a discussion at the National Press Club in the capital.
The Swadhinata Forum, a pro-BNP platform, organised the programme to commemorate National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7.
Goyeshwar Roy said restoring democracy will serve as a form of retribution for those who have undermined it.
He added that both the people of Bangladesh and the BNP desire the interim government to quickly hold the national polls.
The BNP leader said the term ‘reform’ became stigmatised during the 1/11 political changeover due to ulterior motives.
He said that while there is widespread support for necessary state reforms, attempts to consolidate power by banning a political party or promoting depoliticisation will not serve the nation’s interests.
“Those who deserve banning have, in effect, banned themselves and departed from the country; now there is no one to raise their banner or slogans,” he said.
Goyeshwar Roy said political parties should not engage in retribution against each other.
“We are fighting for democracy, and the restoration of democracy is the means of taking that revenge on the Awami League,” the BNP leader said.
He also mentioned that Sheikh Hasina had to leave the country due to her long history of disregarding the law.
“After her downfall, how could she abide by the law? If she were not afraid of the law, she would not have left the country; she would have stayed in jail,” he said.
