‘Polls delay risks return of autocracy’

The BNP today at a meeting with the chief adviser demanded the removal of three advisers and the announcement of a roadmap to hold the national election by December.

"The more the excuses to delay the election, it will prepare the ground for the return of dictatorship to the nation. The responsibility for this will fall on the current government and those associated with it," said BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain while speaking to reporters after the meeting held at the state guest house Jamuna.

"BNP has never sought the resignation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The party is fully cooperating with this government," he added.

During the nearly one-hour-long meeting, the BNP delegation handed over a written letter to Yunus.

At the press conference, BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain read out a summary of the letter to journalists in six key points.

BNP has demanded that the government immediately complete the necessary election-related reforms and swiftly announce a roadmap to hold the national election by December.

"The people of Bangladesh believe that the primary responsibility of the interim government is to facilitate the country's transition to democracy through a fair and neutral election," said BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf.

From the beginning, BNP has consistently demanded a clear national electoral roadmap to ensure Bangladesh's democratic transition.

To ensure a free, fair, and impartial election, the advisory council must be reconstituted by excluding controversial advisers, in the interest of maintaining the government's neutrality.

Asked whether the government has given any assurance in response to BNP's demands, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said, "We have submitted our demands. Perhaps they will respond through the press, so we will wait. Once the press wing says something, we will respond accordingly."

BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury added that the possibility of holding the election before December was also discussed with the chief adviser.