Interim govt overstepping elected govt’s role

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday questioned why the interim government's structure and activities were expanding further.

It seems like a certain group is taking on the responsibility of carrying out all the tasks of the upcoming government, he said while speaking at an event at Jatiya Press Club.

"It looks like the future elected government of Bangladesh will have little to do, as the interim government wants to take responsibility for everything -- short-term, mid-term, long-term, and even beyond, if anything remains. As if all issues must be resolved by the interim government," he said.

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"If that's the case, then why even talk about democracy and elections? Why do we talk about the ownership of the people of the country? Why do we mention accountability and responsibility?" he asked.

Meanwhile, at another programme, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi yesterday accused advisers of the interim government of attempting to create a division between the long-standing anti-government movement and the recent July-August uprising and prolong the interim government's tenure.

"One of your advisers told students that if the country continues to be run this way for the next five years, it will be much better. Does that mean elections are unnecessary?" he asked.

"The people believe that under the leadership of Chief Adviser Dr Yunus, a free and fair election will take place," said the BNP leader.

Addressing the chief adviser, he said, "As long as you remain in power, you must ensure an impartial election and hand over power to the people's representatives. The public deeply trusts this process. But if there is any delay, it will take a different turn."

At the same event, BNP standing committee member Selima Rahman urged the chief adviser to uphold his image as a beacon of peace by ensuring a fair election and restoring stability in the country.

In another programme yesterday, BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the fall of fascism has been an achievement.

"However, our efforts to establish democracy must continue. We must remain united to stop any conspiracy or attempt against this cause," he added.