Dhanmondi-32 incident may be plot to obstruct restoration of democracy: BNP's Hafizuddin

A vested quarter may have been behind the incidents at Dhanmondi-32 house and other establishments, as part of a plot to create disorder and obstruct the restoration of democracy in the country, BNP Standing Committee Member Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said today (6 February).

Speaking at a discussion on Thursday, he, however, expressed hope that the interim government would pave the way for the restoration of democracy through a prompt election, rather than creating obstacles to it.

Swadhinta Forum, a pro-BNP platform, organised a programme titled "The Future of Democracy in the Current Political Context" at the Jatiya Press Club.

"The incident that began yesterday [Wednesday] is still ongoing. It is not over yet. We do not know who carried it out, nor are we aware of the government's role. We'll wait a little while, and perhaps we'll know by today who is responsible for it," said Hafiz.

He said the BNP will give its reaction to the incident once they have complete information about it.

"But we believe that some people may have created this chaos to obstruct the path of democracy in the coming days. In particular, we must investigate whether our neighbouring country has any involvement in it," the BNP leader said.

He said their party is keeping an eye on the developments of Wednesday's incident. "We hope the democratic system will be restored very soon in the country because many incidents happen due to the lack of democracy."

"We hope that the current government will quickly remove all the obstacles in the path of democracy. They should be aware that they should not create any further barriers," the BNP leader said.

Hafiz said a strong unity of all democratic forces and students is now crucial as Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, is once again trying to destabilise the country.

He claimed they have observed with sadness that the chief adviser requested students to form a political party. "There's no need for it. They [students] will form their own party, whether anyone requests them or not."

Hafiz said their party will welcome it if the students form a party, as there is nothing wrong with forming a party. "Rather, another choice will be presented to the people."

He said the students have got enough time to launch the party and participate in the election. "They want more time. We believe the election must be held within this year. So, we request the government to arrange a free and fair national election to end all chaos, obstacles, and plots against democracy."

The BNP leader expressed hope that the interim government will dedicate all its efforts to arranging the election.

He said the people of the country want to see the restoration of democracy, but only India seeks instability and does not want democracy to flourish in Bangladesh.

Hafizuddin also said their party welcomes the government's initiative for talks on the reform proposals made by various commissions.

Hafizuddin said the BNP, in coordination with like-minded parties, will present their reform proposals to the government unitedly. "Some people believe the government is trying to buy time under the guise of reforms."

"Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is a wise and well-known figure worldwide. We have placed our trust in him and promised him our cooperation. We'll do so. But we hope that he will not break our trust. He'll remain impartial and ensure a free and fair election to free the nation from all crises," he said.