An immediate announcement of the election schedule is necessary, with a clear and transparent presentation of the caretaker government’s reform plans for the state structure, BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas said today (November 5). .

Speaking at a panel discussion titled “The Spirit of the Liberation War and Today’s Bangladesh” at the Dhaka Journalists’ Unit in the capital, Abbas said: “You cannot do what you want while keeping the nation in ignorance. The people will not accept this government. for a long time, just as they have not accepted the unelected administration led by the Awami League for the last 16 years.

“We want to believe that this government will give the nation a glimmer of hope. But do not act in a way that makes people lose confidence,” he warned.

Addressing the interim government, Abbas said: “Currently, we see no signs of reform. You’re not talking about elections. If we talk about elections, you say we are hungry for power. But what if we say you cling to power. avoiding discussion of elections, what would you say to that? Do not deceive the nation; they won’t just watch. »

The BNP leader also criticized the caretaker government for its initiatives to reform the Constitution.

“Who are you to amend the Constitution? Are you going to amend it without Parliament? Remember that the Constitution is not a rough notebook that you can change as you wish. If there must be an amendment or a rewriting of the Constitution, this must be done in consultation with those who fought in the liberation war and other key stakeholders,” he said.

Speaking about the legal persecution of BNP leaders by the deposed Awami League regime, Abbas said: “We resided in the prisons and came out from time to time. Prison became our address due to the severe torture we endured over the past 16 years. government to give us, the people, peace. Announce a roadmap without delay.

Referring to recent discussions of a “second liberation,” Abbas questioned its objective.

“Who discovered this concept of second liberation? Why? We have freed ourselves from autocracy and fascism. What do you mean by “second liberation”? Are you trying to ignore the declaration of independence of the martyred President Ziaur Rahman and the liberation war?

Abbas also expressed displeasure over the cases against BNP leaders, including interim President Tarique Rahman, which remain unresolved even three months after the formation of the interim government.

He suggested that the government issue an order to withdraw all cases filed against the BNP and opposition leaders since 2007.

In his address as the chief guest, BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said, “The current situation is shrouded in ambiguity. It is not certain whether this government will stay longer or step down as planned. »

“This government is the product of the blood of the student-led mass movement. The people expect this administration to initiate necessary reforms and hold elections at the earliest. If the government assumes this responsibility, its legacy will be honored Otherwise, the country risks being ruined. Failure is not an option,” warned Roy.