CA Yunus invites BNP again for talks on Monday: Salahuddin Ahmed
Says no shortage of formalities for talks, but nothing fruitful being done
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has extended an invitation to the BNP for discussions at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said.
"The chief adviser has invited the BNP for talks on 2 June. There is no shortage of formalities for talks, but nothing fruitful is being done," he said at a discussion organised by Krishak Dal in Dhaka today (31 May).
The BNP leader complained that those opposing elections are "labelling the party as traitors and agents of foreign powers".
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A certain group is creating division among the nation, he said, adding that reforms offer nothing more than superficial change.
Regarding the upcoming national elections, Salahuddin said, "The elections should be held before December – this is the clear demand of the people."
He added that if the government justifies holding elections after December, it "must present it publicly".
Last week, the party held a meeting with the chief adviser at Jamuna amid an unfolding political crisis.
At the meeting, BNP called for swift completion of reforms, initiated by the interim government, as well as holding the national election by December this year.
The chief adviser's recent statement that only one party wants the national election in December has kicked off a firestorm, beginning with the BNP rubbishing the claim.
This was followed by several other parties, who have also publicly stated their support for holding the national polls this year.
The Left Democratic Alliance, 12-party Alliance, and Gono Forum are among those parties that have also made it clear that the demand is widely shared among parties and not limited to a single group.
It all started at the 30th Nikkei Forum in Tokyo on 29 May, when addressing the gathering, Yunus said, "There are opinions that let's get the election done, but it is not all, just one particular party."
He added that the polls would be held between December this year and June next year, and the interim government would not remain in place beyond that timeframe.
