Democratic transition only way forward: BNP’s Moyeen Khan

BNP BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday said democratic transition is the only way-out of the country's ongoing crisis and evolving situation.

"Bangladesh was under dictatorship for 15 years. So, our only solution is that now there must be a transition to democracy in Bangladesh. Except this, there is no other solution for the 18 crore people of the country," he said during a discussion.

"The day of 5 August 2024 was a momentous occasion for every person, as we were freed from fifteen years of tyranny and dictatorship and moved towards a free environment and democratic transition… So, democratic transition is the only solution to the current evolving situation. The 18 crore people of Bangladesh must realise, understand, and accept this truth," he said.

The BNP leader observed that even experts in England have said democracy is bad but other systems are worse. 

"The people of Bangladesh realised these truths and sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War in 1971 for the cause of democracy."

The World Human Rights Organisation of Bangladesh arranged the programme titled '13th National Parliamentary Election for the Establishment of Democracy and Human Rights' at the Jatiya Press Club.

Moyeen said lakhs of people waged the Liberation War and sacrificed their lives for democracy.

"It would not be right to belittle that Liberation War by misinterpreting it or because of one's own ideology. If we do that, we will be taking a hit on our own existence. Those who do not believe in democracy or cannot understand its meaning are the ones who criticise democracy," he said.

The BNP leader slammed those who criticise their party for demanding a prompt national election for the restoration of democracy.

"I am surprised to hear that we are being accused of wanting elections to come to power… Have we committed a crime by demanding fair and impartial elections?" he said.

Moyeen said many people are openly criticising the BNP and many are writing in newspapers that the BNP have gone crazy for the election. 

"If we become crazy for a fair and credible election, then we are on the right path. We want democracy. Where is our crime here? This is the question for those who criticise us."

Rather, he said, those who do not want fair and impartial elections do not want democracy and they do not want the welfare of the people of this country and they do not want the reflection of people's hopes and aspirations.

"So, there is no scope for anyone to create any smokescreen about the parliamentary election, no matter how strong they may be," the BNP leader said.

"If the interim government is to do all these things, it will take 100 years. So, we will sleep for 100 years and let them fix the country."

The BNP leader stressed that not only the government or political parties, but also the general public—especially the younger generation—must remain alert during this critical period.

Responding to arguments that multiple elections have not been able to bring the country on the right path, Moyeen said, "I want to state clearly—there have been no proper elections in the last 15 years. The fault lies not with the elections themselves, but with those who organised them."