Speaking about country’s problems in foreign trips won’t solve them: Khasru takes jibe at Yunus

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today (30 May) criticised the act of discussing Bangladesh's internal problems abroad, stating that solutions must come from within the country.

"The problems of Bangladesh must be addressed and resolved inside the country. The solution lies here," he said, indirectly referring to a recent statement by Chief Adviser (CA) Muhammad Yunus, who is currently visiting Japan, where he said only one party wants the national election in December. 

Khasru made the remarks while addressing a discussion organised by Chattogram Metropolitan BNP at the LGED Auditorium in the port city's Muradpur, marking the 44th death anniversary of the party's founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.

His remarks come in response to a statement made by CA Yunus at the 30th Nikkei Forum in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday (29 May).

Mentioning that some politicians want elections in December this year, he said, "We don't want to leave the country with the old institutions remaining as it is. If we need a good job at the reforms, we have to wait for six months more [for the election]."

"There are opinions that let's get the election done, but it is not all, just one particular party," he said.

Khasru said, "We are waiting for the election. Nothing can be implemented till an elected government comes. Bangladesh needs an elected government as soon as possible. Whether a particular party wants it or not is irrelevant. The people of Bangladesh want democracy."

Stating that all solutions lie within the people of Bangladesh, the senior BNP leader said, "At the end of the day, reform, justice - anything you say - will be solved by the people of Bangladesh. There is no other tool for it. The only tool is the people of Bangladesh."

He also urged BNP activists and leaders to overcome internal conflicts and remain united for the greater cause.

"To rebuild Bangladesh in line with the vision of Khaleda Zia and Ziaur Rahman, the partymen need speed and unity. Without that, we cannot move forward. Petty disagreements will only set us back. Those who remain stuck in internal disputes will fall behind. We need to focus on the bigger picture," he added.

BNP leaders have criticised the CA's remarks, with BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas accusing Yunus of tarnishing their party's image during his ongoing visit to Japan and alleged that the chief adviser is the only person who does not want the election to happen.

"It is with deep regret that I say this — Dr Yunus is sitting in Japan and defaming the BNP. He should be ashamed of speaking against his own country while abroad," said the BNP leader earlier today.

BNP has been pushing for a national election by December. The party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman recently instructed the partymen to prepare for ensuring that the interim government holds the election by December. 

The interim government, however, has maintained that the election will take place within December this year and June next year.