Announce election roadmap or lose BNP's support: Khosru to govt

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today (27 May) cautioned that the interim government risks losing the support of BNP and its like-minded parties if it stands against a democratic transition and fails to promptly announce a clear roadmap for the national election.

"There is nothing above democracy. If you (govt) stand against it, then those of us who established this government with our support for a democratic transition — our support is not a blank cheque, and that support will not remain," he told a discussion meeting.

Khosru, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, however, said their party does not want such a situation to arise.

"We want the government to play a neutral role and declare a roadmap outlining the steps it will take for a swift and impartial democratic transition. It must assure the nation that Bangladesh is moving towards democracy in the coming days and that people's ownership of the country will be restored," he said.

Democratic State Council arranged the programme titled '10 Months of the Interim Government: Questions of Democracy and National Security' at the Jatiya Press Club.

Stating that there is no disagreement among political parties regarding reforms and the trial of fascist elements, the BNP leader questioned, "Then why is the government so afraid of presenting a clear roadmap and holding the election?"

He said those who fear elections have no connection with the people, no relationship, no trust in them, and no confidence in the democratic order.

Khosru said BNP wants democracy restored and the ownership of the country returned to the people, as they believe in politics based on public trust and support.

He, however, alleged that a certain quarter is now trying to follow in the footsteps of the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina by blocking the path to national elections.

"Sheikh Hasina did not hold credible elections because she knew that in a fair election, she would not be elected. Now the question arises - who else fears not being elected in elections? Is that why elections will not be held in Bangladesh?" the BNP leader asked.

He said questions will arise about the neutrality of the interim government if it resorts to ploys in restoring democratic order.

"So do they (govt) have any ambivalence about returning the government's democratic politics, and do they have any ambivalence about the elections? And what does it mean to bring in reforms and trials against the elections? These are all mutually exclusive and ongoing processes," Khosru said.

He said five or 10 people think they are wiser and they will decide Bangladesh's future by leaving people out of the process. "So, where is the difference between Sheikh Hasina and them? We see no difference."

The BNP leader warned that the longer an unelected government stays in power, departing from democratic principles, the greater the risk of instability and the deeper the erosion of people's rights.

Over time, he feared, even such a government will begin exerting pressure on the media to prolong its stay in power.

"Power is a dangerous thing. If someone tries to stay in power without a mandate, their attitude will inevitably become authoritarian — no matter what form that government takes. We are already witnessing signs of that," Khosru said.

He warned that the longer power is delayed from returning to the people, the deeper the country will fall into instability. "You who have set this trap will ultimately be caught in it yourselves," he said.