Calls for restoration of democracy in Bangladesh grow amid w
Calls for restoration of democracy in Bangladesh grow amid worsening political crisis
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Monday warned that the ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is set to worsen
DHAKA — The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Monday warned that the
ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Muhammad
Yunus is set to worsen in the absence of any plan to hold elections in the near
future.
Addressing the 30th founding anniversary celebration
programme of the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), senior BNP leader Amir Khosru
Mahmud Chowdhury urged every section of the society to unite in restoring democracy
in the country through a credible national election.
"Let us remain united in the coming days to restore
democracy. We want to bring back a democratic order in Bangladesh through a
fair election. The more it is disrupted and delayed, the more our crisis will
deepen. The sooner we can reach this goal with the cooperation of the media and
the united efforts of the people of Bangladesh, the more beneficial it will be
for our country,” Bangladeshi media outlet UNB reported quoting Chowdhury as
saying.
"So, our unity will be for democracy — to restore
democratic and constitutional rights, including freedom of the media. There is
no alternative to this. No other reform can provide what democratic governance
can," he further said.
Meanwhile, on Monday, supporters of BNP leader Ishraque
Hossain and a section of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) employees resumed
their protest in front of Nagar Bhaban, demanding that Ishraque be appointed as
Mayor without any delay and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government.
The protest brought citizen services to a standstill,
causing widespread inconvenience for city dwellers in Dhaka.
On the other hand, three associate bodies of BNP —
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal — announced to hold
a massive rally titled 'Establishing the Political Rights of the Youth' outside
the party's central office in Naya Paltan on May 28.
Earlier on Sunday, while virtually addressing a public
event in Dhaka from London, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman reiterated his
party’s demand for holding elections in the country by December.
"Political parties have again demanded a clear, specific
date for the national election after meeting with the head of the interim
government. The BNP insists that the national election must be held by
December," he said during the event
"Threats and intimidation cannot silence the voice
of the people. Citizens must continue to engage in constructive criticism of
the government. Every individual must remain vocal in demanding their rightful
entitlements," Rahman further added.
The lack of a clear roadmap for reforms and holding
elections continues to fuel a major political unrest in Bangladesh as Yunus
held a series of meetings over the weekend with leaders of various political
parties who have been questioning his controversial policies and dubious
advisors.
As pressure increased on Yunus, he had earlier expressed
his desire to resign out of frustration - a development that had created a huge
buzz in political circles across the country.
Protests, political uncertainty and increasing incidents
of crime and violence have gripped Bangladesh since the Yunus-led interim
government assumed power, last August.
Parties like the BNP had repeatedly been warning of
street protests if the interim government fails to provide an electoral road
map.
Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman also stated
that the next national election should be held by December and an elected
government should be in power by January 1, 2026 after concluding "free
and fair" polls.
