Advisers forming political parties will raise questions about neutrality: Rizvi

If interim government advisers form political parties, questions might be raised about their neutrality, said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. 

"There are reports of various individuals within the government attempting to form political parties. If advisers form political parties, the public is bound to question the government's neutrality," he said while visiting the grave of Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, at Banani Cemetery on the occasion of his 10th death anniversary today (24 January).

Rizvi further said, "After the formation of the government, we have observed some advisers making highly antagonistic remarks about the BNP—some openly and others covertly." 

Addressing the interim government, the BNP leader said, "For 16 years, the people of this country have been waiting, fighting, and sacrificing their lives for democracy and free and fair elections. Why is there so much hesitation and delay in ensuring those elections? This is the question on everyone's mind, is it a crime [to raise these questions]?"

Rizvi criticised some of the advisers in the interim government, saying, "The government was formed as a result of the people's democratic movement, with all democratic parties lending their support. The expectation was that this government would function impartially and take steps to strengthen democracy. However, when I hear statements like 'reforms first, elections later,' it seems like an echo of Sheikh Hasina's mantra of 'development first, elections later.' Such comments are unbecoming of any adviser in an interim government." 

He continued, "The interim government is a product of the people's democratic struggle. Democracy requires dialogue and acceptance among its participants. Why the delay? Why the repetition of Hasina's rhetoric? Reforms are an ongoing process that can continue for decades. Why block the flow of democracy under the guise of reforms?"

Rizvi also expressed concerns over rising commodity prices, stating, "Is it wrong to criticise the government for ignoring the soaring prices of essential goods? If the administration fails to act impartially, should it not be criticised? What is the fear here? That there will be a repetition of 1/11? Are the advisers trying to teach experienced politicians how to conduct politics?"