BNP Senior Joint Secretary General, Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, raised concerns on Thursday about the government’s focus on reforms rather than holding elections, suggesting a potential "hidden agenda" behind these actions.
Speaking at a doa mahfil organized by the M Ilias Ali Ghum Protirodh Committee at BNP's Nayapaltan office, Rizvi questioned whether the interim government had a specific, undisclosed plan. "Is this government working with any agenda and planned design? This is now a big question in people's minds. That is why a smokescreen has been created," he said.
Rizvi also warned the government that any manipulation of the people's will would have serious consequences. He expressed disappointment that, nine months after the formation of the current government, there has been no effort to address the over 60 lakh cases filed against BNP leaders and activists during the Awami League regime.
He further questioned the delay in granting voting rights, asking, "Why is the voting right, for which we struggled immensely for 15–16 years, being delayed? Why is reform being positioned as an alternative to elections and voting rights?" According to Rizvi, reforms or any other measures cannot replace the core principles of democracy—elections and voting rights.
Rizvi also highlighted ongoing talks with the Consensus Commission on reforms but emphasized that the government must clarify the situation, particularly regarding the uncertainty around the timing of the elections. "Why is Bangladesh’s election still hanging between the December and June swings? The government must clearly answer this," he stated.
The BNP leader also claimed that remnants of the previous regime continue to hold influential positions within the administration, while individuals associated with the BNP are being excluded from key roles.
