Mobocracy ruling Bangladesh, not democracy: Salahuddin

The current state of governance in Bangladesh resembles "mobocracy" rather than democracy, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said today (17 July).

"We led the July uprising for democracy. But now, across the country, what we see is mobcracy reigning supreme. We demanded democracy, but what we got is mobcracy," Salahuddin said while speaking as the chief guest at a protest rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal in front of the BNP's central office in Naya Paltan today.

"Why has this happened? Who are the people who now dare to challenge the forces of mass uprising? Two factors are behind this situation - the government's indifference and its failure to maintain law and order," Salahuddin added.

Strongly condemning the recent attacks on pro-democracy forces, Salahuddin said, "We never expected that fallen fascist forces would dare to attack those aligned with the spirit of the mass uprising. But why did these attacks happen? The answer lies in the fact that some newly organised political parties, still unregistered, are acting emotionally and announcing unplanned political programmes."

"Because of these programmes, the public witnessed fascist forces attacking pro-uprising groups. That is why, dear brothers, we've always advised political newcomers to gain more experience in the political field — and we say the same today. We wish you a bright future and believe you will play a significant role in the future of this country's democracy," Salahuddin added.

Salahuddin further said, "Since the formation of the interim government on 8 August 2024, we have cooperated in good faith. But now, the forces of the mass uprising are being challenged. Issues are being created deliberately to tarnish the image of BNP."

Referring to the expected electoral timeline, the BNP leader said, "We had hoped that after the London meeting, the chief Adviser would instruct the Election Commission to prepare for elections in the first week of February. Instead, we saw that the chief adviser meeting with law enforcement agencies and instructing them to prepare — but the Election Commission has yet to receive any formal directive to organise elections."

"We hope the chief adviser will soon reassure the nation and the people, and that his office will quickly send that message to the Election Commission," Salahuddin also said.

Reiterating BNP's willingness to support the government, Salahuddin said, "People understand that the government wants our cooperation. Those attempting to sabotage the election process must not receive any shelter or support from the government. The public should never feel that the government is favouring a specific party in any way."

The Jubo Dal organised the protest rally and a subsequent demonstration to denounce the deteriorating law and order situation across the country, which they attributed to the inaction of the interim government.

Following the rally, a protest march was held, starting from Naya Paltan and moving through Nightingale intersection, Bijoynagar, Paltan, the Press Club, Kadam Fountain, Matsya Bhaban, and ending at Shahbagh.

The rally was presided over by Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna.

In addition to Dhaka, BNP's youth wing, Jubo Dal, organised simultaneous rallies and protest marches across various districts and metropolitan areas of the country in support of the same demands.