Government is delaying elections to sideline BNP: Dudu

BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has alleged that the interim government is delaying the elections to sideline his party.

He made this allegation at a rally organized by the Bangladesh Gonotantrik Parishad in front of the National Press Club on Friday (April 18).

The rally was organized demanding the trace of missing leaders and activists including BNP leaders Ilias Ali and Chowdhury Alam.

Shamsuzzaman Dudu said that the elections are being avoided so that BNP cannot form a government through elections, by garnering people's support, and through votes.

Expressing concern over the activities of the interim government, Dudu said that the countrymen are very worried about the activities of this government. "We do not even understand what they (the government) want."

Criticizing the government's role in the election issue, he said: "What to do or not to do is not a big deal." He announced a road map immediately to establish an elected government. "Tell me when the elections will be held, in which month, in which year. You can exclude these once in December, once in June. We are not ready for these."

This BNP leader warned the authorities and said: "I have told you before, when we have managed to oust Hasina, if other fascisms arise, it will be a one-two matter for the people of Bangladesh to oust them. Keeping that in mind, we will take action. I received you with a garland of flowers, I want to bid you farewell with a garland of flowers—this is the BNP's stand so far."

Demanding immediate visible trial of the disappearances, he said: "The disappearances of Ilyas Ali, Chowdhury Alam and others… how tragic… I cannot pray for the forgiveness of their souls, since we do not know whether Ilyas Ali, Chowdhury Alam is dead or still alive. What will their families pray to Allah, what will their heirs demand?"

The BNP Vice-Chairman said: "The people of Bangladesh know that those who created this deadlock, Sheikh Hasina, did not just disappear him (Ilias Ali), she did not kidnap him, she wanted to eliminate him. I am demanding in this meeting that thousands of national leaders, student leaders, youth leaders including Ilias Ali, Chowdhury Alam - whom we have not yet found, I demand the hanging of Hasina for this crime. Take the initiative to prosecute the disappearances and murders."