BNP’s Farroque warns interim govt against actions that might anger people

Stating that various plots are afoot against the country, BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque today (13 November) warned the interim government not to take any steps that could lead the people of the country to turn against it.

"We have given you [govt] our support, and it will continue until the election is held. But don't follow a path or take any step that will lead the people to reject you," he said while addressing the introductory meeting organised by the Dhaka North City unit of Ulema Dal at Bhasani Bhaban in the city's Nayapaltan area.

Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, said their party wants the reforms and the election roadmap to proceed together.

Mentioning that the government must implement the electoral system reforms to ensure a credible election, he said, "But you should carry out reforms that are supposed to be undertaken by the people's representatives."

The BNP leader also said their party demands the government to announce a specific date for the election, make preparations for the polls, and reconstitute the Election Commission.

"We want both the reforms and the election. But you [govt] must remain alert to ensure that the election is not delayed by falling into the trap of controversial individuals," he said.

Farroque said their party's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has already categorically said BNP wants a free, fair and credible election where people can freely exercise their right to vote and elect their representatives.

"Our leader Tarique Rahman also told us to be patient, and we have that patience. But if the result of that patience is that controversial people take over the administration and the Awami League's ghosts continues to run the ministries, that can't happen. You must clarify and address that," he said.

Farroque said they are receiving indications of a plot to put the interim government in a difficult position and embarrass it. "When Donald Trump was elected president in America, the next day, she [Sheikh Hasina] asked [her followers] to take to the streets with Trump's photo. These are conspiracies. We must stand against these plots."

He also said many people sacrificed their lives, and many others sustained injuries in the student-led mass movement to free the country from the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina. 

"The conspiracy has not stopped. We must remain vigilant. No more dictatorship will be allowed in this country. We'll build a democratic country together," he added.