Bangladesh may be drawn into war over Rakhine corridor decision: BNP leader Hafizuddin

BNP senior leader Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed on Saturday (3 May) expressed concerns that Bangladesh could be drawn into a war without the consent of its people, following the interim government's decision to allow a 'humanitarian corridor' for Myanmar's Rakhine State.

"A new danger has emerged before us in the form of a humanitarian corridor. Are we going to get involved in a war without the consent of the people?" he said while addressing the launching ceremony of the Bangladesh District and Divisional Sports Organisers Association at the NSC auditorium in the capital.

Hafiz, a BNP standing committee member, said the people of the country are very worried about the corridor issue. "We are also worried. BNP is the biggest and most popular political party in the country. We don't know how our country is being run."

The BNP leader said their party wants nothing more than a free and fair election where the people will be able to vote for the party of their choice. "People can bring any party to power, and we won't have any objection to that."

He said politics and democracy will not flourish if the people of the country are not given the opportunity to elect their representatives through a credible election.

'Govt's election unwillingness'

Hafiz said BNP, along with other democratic parties, carried out a movement for 17 years to ensure a free, fair and credible election in the country.

"But we don't see any sign of such an election. Knowledgeable persons are saying there's no possibility of the election in the next two, three or even five years, because the current government doesn't want it to be held," he said.

The BNP leader said no matter what the government says, their attitude, gestures and the statements of its advisers have given their party the impression that the current administration will not allow democracy to flourish fully.

Mentioning that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is a globally renowned figure, he said his party is committed to supporting his administration.

"But the democratic system should be restored immediately in the country, respecting the blood of several thousand martyrs. Yet we are unable to understand what they [govt] are planning and thinking about."

Hafiz recalled that he, along with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, met the chief adviser on 10 February, where Yunus assured them that polls would be held by December this year.

He lamented that the chief adviser later changed his stance, saying the election would be held by June next year. "In this way, they (govt) are playing a game with the fate of the state."

The BNP leader criticised the negative influence of the Awami League on Bangladesh's sports sector, saying the party has eroded traditional sporting values and lacks a true sportsmanlike spirit.

He emphasised maintaining a clear separation between politics and sports, noting that dedicated sports figures possess a distinct mindset and commitment, unlike politicians. "We should keep sports out of political influence so that sportsmen are not harassed or defamed for political affiliations."

Hafiz said he had advised cricketer Shakib Al Hasan not to join the Awami League when the cricketer met him before the last election. "Shakib is now in danger because he did not accept the advice."

Former cricketer Tamim Iqbal, who announced his retirement in February, was also present at the event.

During his speech, Hafiz advised Tamim to remain cautious about getting involved in politics.