Nuru Haque Nur, President of the Gono Odhikar Parishad and former VP of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), said that state reforms must precede elections in Bangladesh.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "The July Revolution and Building a New Bangladesh Based on Public Aspirations" on Sunday (December 1), Nur made his stance clear.
"We did not put this government in power for elections," Nur stated. "The state must undergo reforms to align with public aspirations. The 15 proposed reforms must be implemented before any discussion about elections."
The event, held in the New Market area of the district town, centered on shaping a transformative political vision for Bangladesh.
Nur criticized the cycle of corruption that has marred governance. "One group has exploited the nation, and another is waiting for their turn. This administration, along with the state structure, needs fundamental reform. We do not want elections for the next two years," he added.
Describing the interim government as one of the most widely supported in Bangladesh's history, Nur said, "This government has received backing from across the political spectrum, including the left, right, BNP, and Jamaat. It represents a rare moment of broad consensus in our 53-year history."
He pointed to recent crackdowns on illegal activities, such as extortion, which have disrupted the "business as usual" for some vested interests. "Many are now pushing for quick elections to regain power and resume their profiteering and exploitation," Nur alleged.
The discussion was presided over by District Gono Odhikar Parishad President Syed Nazrul Islam Litu, with Youth Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Md. Abdur Rahman as the event's moderator.
Special guests included Shahidul Islam Fahim, a senior council member of the Gono Odhikar Parishad; District General Secretary Md. Shah-Alam Shikdar; and Abdullah Yusuf Pasha, the government's legal counsel at the district judge's court. Several other party leaders and legal experts also participated in the event.
