Accelerate democratic transition

BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan yesterday urged the interim government to expedite the democratic transition in Bangladesh, warning that the people of the country can swiftly grow intolerant and turn against even those they once held in high esteem.

"We're providing the interim government with all-out cooperation. We hope that the government will complete the process of transitioning to democracy in Bangladesh within the shortest possible time," he said.

He made the remarks during a discussion, titled "The Role of Martyr Zia in Establishing Multi-Party Democracy and Freedom of the Press", organised by Bangladesh Crime Reporters' Society at the Jatiya Press Club, marking World Press Freedom Day.

Moyeen Khan, a BNP Standing Committee member, called upon the government not to attempt to cling onto power by going against the will of the country's people.

The BNP leader said his party also wants essential state reforms, but the election should not be delayed in the name of overhauling the state.

He said the most important task now in Bangladesh is unity for the country's welfare.

He alleged that a quarter is running a false and fabricated campaign, claiming that dictatorship will return if BNP comes to power.

The BNP leader asserted that it will not be possible to mislead the country's 18 crore people with such false narratives. "No one can present an example of the BNP acting as an autocratic force in the past."