Polls must be held by December

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the national election must be held by December and hoped that the polls would be free and fair.

The head of the interim government is an individual who is admired at home and abroad, Tarique said, adding, "I hope the people will witness the freest and fairest national election in history under his leadership."

Citizens must raise their voices for their rights and the people are not at the mercy of the government, he said, addressing a discussion held by the National People's Party via a video link.

"The government is, of course, obligated to listen to the people and meet their rightful demands; there is no room for becoming sensitive, angry, or offended."

The BNP leader also said that no plan of the government would be effective as long as it kept political parties in the dark.

The interim government was established through the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs, he said. "But this government is certainly not accountable to the people."

This is why the people must know what the government is planning, he said.

"To ensure the national election, the BNP and others who protested together on the streets continue to fully support the interim government in undertaking the necessary reforms in the civil administration and law enforcement."

The BNP leader said that if people's political power is ensured, it becomes difficult for the government to develop a fascist character.

"Whether it is a directly elected government, an interim government, or a caretaker government, if the government is not accountable to the people, it may unknowingly become authoritarian. This is why, despite threats, citizens must continue constructive criticism of the government," he added.

Tarique said that the absence of a stable democratic government has led to stagnation in both domestic and foreign investments.

"An uncertain political and economic scenario is creating unrest among various groups of people almost every day. The people are taking to the streets daily with various demands, but at this moment, no one seems to be listening to their grievances."

Drawing attention to democracy-supporting citizens, Tarique said that any delay or excuse in establishing an accountable government gives defeated authoritarian forces the opportunity to rise again.

"Through the establishment of democratic rights in a fascism-free Bangladesh, the resurgence of fascist forces can be prevented," he added.