Read public pulse, accelerate democratic transition: Moyeen Khan to govt

BNP senior leader Abdul Moyeen Khan today (21 May) urged the interim government to expedite the democratic transition in Bangladesh, warning that the people of the country can swiftly grow intolerant and turn against even those they once held in high esteem.

"We're providing the interim government with all-out cooperation. We hope that the government will complete the process of transitioning to democracy in Bangladesh within the shortest possible time," he told a discussion meeting.

The Bangladesh Crime Reporters' Society organised the programme titled "The Role of Martyr Zia in Establishing Multi-Party Democracy and Freedom of the Press" at the Jatiya Press Club, marking World Press Freedom Day.

Moyeen, a BNP Standing Committee member, called upon the government not to attempt to cling to power by going against the will of the country's people.

"I want to remind the government that the people of Bangladesh are emotional and become intolerant very quickly, as they live in difficult conditions. The natural trait and psychology of the people is such that those they greatly admire today, they may not hesitate to crush underfoot tomorrow. Those who fail to understand this truth will be defeated in the pages of history," he said.

The BNP leader said his party also wants essential state reforms, but the election should not be delayed in the name of overhauling the state.

"Reform is a continuous process. As long as the world exists, reforms will continue. But reform and democracy are not mutually exclusive or sequential — they can proceed together. This is the history of human civilisation. I hope the interim government will understand this truth," he observed.

Moyeen said the most important task now in Bangladesh is unity for the country's welfare. "We must work together for the good of the nation. But I am not advocating for Baksal — there must be diversity within unity."

He alleged that a quarter is running a false and fabricated campaign, claiming that dictatorship will return if BNP comes to power.

The BNP leader asserted that it will not be possible to mislead the country's 18 crore people with such false narratives. "No one can present an example of the BNP acting as an autocratic force in the past."

He said BNP must give an appropriate response to those spreading misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda against the party.

Moyeen also paid tribute to the students who led the July-August mass uprising in 2014, creating a new chapter of pride. "But I would like to remind them that it is difficult to uphold such honour in Bangladesh."

Stating that the people of Bangladesh are highly politically conscious, he cautioned that a single misdeed can overshadow a hundred good deeds in the eyes of the people.

The BNP leader said students must prepare themselves through knowledge to take responsibility for the nation. "If they assume the responsibility of running the country without adequate preparation or qualification, then the destruction of the nation is inevitable."