Resign from govt within 15 days

The Gono Odhikar Parishad yesterday called for the resignation of interim government advisers Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan and Mahfuj Alam within 15 days, accusing them of compromising the government's neutrality.

They made the demand at a press conference held at the party's Bijoynagar office.

At the press conference, Faruk Hasan, vice president of the party, said to maintain neutrality, the two advisers, who were former student leaders, must step down immediately.

"If they do not resign, we will announce a strict programme in coordination with other political parties and pro-revolution forces," he declared.

He criticised the interim government for what he called an imbalance in representation, saying, "This is a people's government, yet instead of fulfilling public aspirations, it is favouring a particular political party. This raises doubts and suspicions."

He warned that if the government fails to meet public expectations, people will stand against it as well.

The party also criticised the remarks made by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who, during a media interview in Delhi, said the Trump administration is "deeply concerned" about the situation in Bangladesh, particularly regarding Islamic terrorism and the persecution of minorities.

Gono Odhikar Parishad dismissed these claims, asserting that no such issues exist in the country.

Calling for meaningful reforms, the party emphasised the need to restructure the Advisory Council under the chief adviser's leadership, as it currently includes controversial figures. They cited a High Court ruling, stressing that elections must be held under a caretaker government to ensure fairness.

The group reiterated its demands for trials for genocide, state reforms, and a clear roadmap forward.

"We agree with the chief adviser's statement that state reforms are needed before the December elections. However, achieving this requires national consensus. Unfortunately, the advisers' statements are only deepening national divisions," they said.