Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday called for the holding of general elections soon, emphasising the need for returning the country鈥檚 ownership to the people.
Besides, the party鈥檚 standing committee member, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, urged students to avoid forming 鈥楰ing鈥檚 parties鈥� and instead establish political organisations independently, free from government influence.
Amir Khosru observed that democracy in Bangladesh cannot thrive without ensuring that the country鈥檚 ownership lies in the hands of its people.
He made these remarks at a discussion titled 鈥楾he role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in establishing multi-party democracy and a sovereign independent country鈥�, organised by the National People鈥檚 Party at the National Press Club in the capital Dhaka on Sunday.
He cautioned that delaying the election could create confusion among the public, jeopardising the democratic process.
He said that it was the people, particularly students, had forced the fascist Awami League government to relinquish power.
鈥楾here is no alternative to holding the election quickly. If delayed, it could lead to chaos, and democracy could collapse,鈥� he said, asserting that it is the people who will decide the future of governance in the country.
鈥業f anyone tries to seize the state power like Sheikh Hasina or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did, they will be met with resistance,鈥� he added.
At a separate event organised by the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Muktijoddha Dal to mark the 89th birth anniversary of former president Ziaur Rahman at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, Hafiz urged for the political unity across various segments of society, including political leaders, students and the ordinary people, for greater national interests.
Hafiz highlighted the urgent need for electoral reforms, asserting that a free and fair election must be held without any further delay.
He observed that the necessary reforms could be completed within three months.
鈥業n 1971, we fought for an elected government. Why are we still debating the need for an elected government today?鈥� he questioned.
Hafiz also paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman, praising his leadership during the Liberation War of 1971, and reiterated the call for reforms to restore democracy in Bangladesh.
BNP joint secretary general Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie said that his party鈥檚 secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir鈥檚 demand for holding the next general elections under a neutral government was very much logical.
鈥楾he country鈥檚 people want the same thing, for which the common people are fighting, struggling and waging movements. It will not be wise to counter the demand as it may create another critical time for the nation,鈥� he said.
He was addressing an annual sports competition programme at the Collegiate High School ground in Laxmipur.
