BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Sunday said that not only BNP 52 other political parties demanded election by December. "If you want a graceful exit please give elections by December," he urged the interim government.
Speaking at a discussion organized by Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 44th death anniversary of BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman he said, "We are disappointed with the statement he (Chief Adviser) made in Japan. Why did he say that only BNP wants elections in Bangladesh? I am saying, who doesn't want elections? Everyone wants elections."
He said, "You have seen it in the newspapers today, and then it was written in the national newspapers that 52 parties have come together and want elections in December, and the names of those parties, the names of their leaders, and their statements have been published in the newspapers."
Mosharraf said, "Now if the question arises that when we have such great faith in you (Muhammad Yunus), why would you lead the people of Bangladesh or foreign citizens in the wrong direction? Why would you create confusion among us?"
He said, "We still hope that he will realize this. The advisers who talk excessively have become controversial through their actions, we have also demanded that if the controversial advisers are excluded and a small advisory council is formed on the model of a caretaker government, it would be better for them to hold the national election."
Mosharraf stated that his party had recently met the Chief Adviser to discuss the timing of the upcoming national elections. We explained why December is the most suitable time for holding the elections.
He said, "Any further delay will create opportunities for the remnants of the previous regime to conspire, and we are already witnessing early signs of such activities."
Mosharraf warned that prolonging the election timeline would only benefit anti-democratic forces.
Referring to the government's declaration of holding elections in June, Mosharraf questioned its feasibility.
He said, "You said elections would be held in June? But after December comes Ramadan, which will fall in January next year. We cannot postpone Ramadan. With Eid following in February and March, two months will effectively be occupied."
He further pointed out logistical challenges later in the year. "In April and May, the SSC and HSC public examinations are scheduled. The schools and colleges used for these exams are also designated as polling centres, making it impossible to hold elections during that period."
He said, "In June, the country enters the full force of the monsoon season," and he continued, "We've already seen how heavy the rainfall was in May. Given the worsening weather conditions, elections in June are simply not practical."
He said, "So we think elections are possible in December and we have demanded that you announce the date you think is suitable within December."
Mosharraf said, "If there is any other logical reason, let the government clarify and announce the election date. That was their (interim government) responsibility."
Considering all aspects, the BNP leader said it is better to hold elections by December. "The interim government will have to quit at some point. We think that if they quit by December, it would be possible for them to leave with dignity."
Mosharraf said, "The Chief Adviser has called a second round of meetings tomorrow. We will go. Even if we go, what will we say? We have already given a reform programme."
"We think that at least all parties will agree and we should go for the elections by declaring a consensus. The crisis-talks in Bangladesh are about the elections. You know our Chief Adviser is a very respected person, who has made a name for himself in Bangladesh and abroad through NGOs and has received a Nobel Prize," he said.
