Complete reforms, let election be held within a timeframe: BNP leader Dudu

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu today (20 October) urged the interim government to promptly complete necessary state reforms to make sure that the next national election is held within a designated timeframe.

"We have supported this government for doing good work. Reforms must be undertaken where necessary to ensure a fair election, but they must be completed within a specific timeframe," he said.

Speaking at a discussion meeting in the capital, the BNP leader expressed his belief that an elected political government is essential for advancing any positive initiatives and good work.

"The people in the current government are from different professions who have got together to do good work. When we talk about the election, it doesn't mean it requires it to be held immediately, but there must be a clear timeline. This is why we have talked about an election roadmap," he said.

The programme, titled 'National Elections, Civic Thoughts, National Dialogue', was organised by the Jatiyatabadi Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolan at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU).

Dudu, a former president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, also urged the interim government and democratic parties to remain vigilant, as various conspiracies are being hatched both at home and abroad to create chaos and reestablish the fascist forces.

He alleged that a vested interest group is attempting to malign the BNP and its leaders, Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. "I would like to warn them that if you aim to derail the BNP from its effective role, then fascism will emerge. If you want to suppress the BNP, you must effectively embrace fascism."

The BNP leader further urged democracy-loving political parties to remain united for the cause of democracy and the welfare of the people.

He said the head of fascism, Sheikh Hasina, along with her ministers and MPs, has fled the country, yet her followers in the administration remain unchanged.

Dudu noted that secretaries promoted during Hasina's regime are still in their positions, and there has been no change in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

"The structure established by Sheikh Hasina remains largely the same. There must be a distinction between the previous government and the current one, just as there is a difference between fascism and democracy. The previous government was fascist, while the current government is democratic," he said.

He also expressed frustration that the government has yet to dismantle the Awami Syndicate that controls essential goods. "So where is the change? This syndicate must be dismantled. There cannot be any market syndicate."