Dhaka (June 18): Opposition BNP on Monday termed an ominous sign for democracy the Prime Minister’s remarks that the next polls may not be held if the opposition sticks to its demand for restoration of the non-party caretaker government.
“The Prime Minister in parliament said the next general election won’t be held if the opposition demands caretaker government system. We find and hear the language of autocrats in the Prime Minister’s speech,” said BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fa khrul Islam Alamgir.
“The Prime Ministers’ speech is an ominous sign for democracy. We’re very concerned whether democracy will survive in the country if she speaks in such words,” he continued.
Fakhrul made the remarks at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office after a secretary general-level meeting of the BNP-led 18-party alliance.
“It has been proved elections were free, fair and neutral under the present government. So, there is no need to bring in any unconstitutional government. That won’t be good for anyone. May be the elections won’t be held,” she said, giving a reply to the demand of BNP MP Barrister Moudud Ahmed.
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Fakhrul said people through ballots in the four city corporations have given their verdicts and a mandate for restoration of the caretaker government system. “We hope the government will be respectful to the people’s verdict.”
“We hope the government will evaluate the election results and try to understand the people’s message they have sent out through ballots and will take all the constitutional measures for arranging the next general election under a non-party caretaker government,” the BNP spokesman said.
He said the people have given their verdict through the city corporation polls against the government’s misrule, misdeeds, corruption, repression and failures to run the state.
Fakhrul also demanded the release of all the opposition leaders and activists and Alem-Ulema, and withdrawal of all the cases filed against them for creating a democratic atmosphere.