Disappointed as CA did not unveil election roadmap: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today expressed frustration that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus did not present an outline for the election during his address to the nation the day before.

"Many people feel hopeful about his speech, but I am a little disappointed. I had hoped that the chief adviser, in all his wisdom, would identify the issues and unveil a roadmap to the election," he said at a programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 48th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani.

Fakhrul emphasised that the election can solve half of the country's problems, regardless of whether the BNP comes to power.

He also said those who want to harm and destabilise Bangladesh, and lead the country into conflict will be forced to back down if an elected government is formed with the mandate of the people.

"We don't just want reforms; we've initiated them and are committed to implementing them. We urge you to proceed with an approach that prioritises public acceptance. So far, we've created no obstacles—instead, we've supported you at every step," the BNP leader said.

Earlier, on Sunday, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said the government would issue a roadmap for the election once decisions on electoral reforms are made.

He urged everyone to express their views on the election and reforms, while asking for patience to allow the interim government to complete necessary changes before holding polls to transfer power to an elected government.

"I request you to be patient. We would like to create an electoral system that will be followed for ages. As a result, our country will be saved from the annual political crisis," he said in an address to the nation, marking 100 days of the interim government.

'No distance with students' 

Speaking at today's programme, Fakhrul warned BNP leaders and workers not to create distance from the students who made the movement against the Awami League regime a success.

"You need to understand politics. What do the boys want? It's true that we fought for 15 years, but it was the students who kicked to score the last goal. Abu Sayed's standing with chest out in front of the gunfire was the turning point of the movement. That is why I say that no distance can be created with the students. These things must be considered. Students have a right to speak, they will speak," said the BNP leader.

"I believe this government and the youth will be able to build a new Bangladesh," Fakhrul said.

He, however, questioned how the government will carry out reforms while associates of the autocrats are staying in place in their positions in the Secretariat.

Fakhrul said the BNP wants reforms to be done within a reasonable timeframe; otherwise, people will get the impression that the government has bad intentions to stay in power for a longer period. "From our experience, we are asking to hold the election for the welfare of the nation."

Fakhrul said the election should be arranged after completion of the necessary reforms.

He recalled Maulana Bhasani's contributions to the nation as a patriotic politician, and said, "His presence is felt in our entire existence."

Born in an ordinary family, Bhasani became an exceptional and legendary national leader, he added.