BNP’s Hafiz accuses interim govt of undermining democracy, stalling elections

BNP Standing Committee Member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad today alleged that the interim government does not want elections, saying gestures and statements from its advisers clearly show it will not allow democracy to fully flourish again.

"We have struggled for 17 years for a fair election, but see no signs of it. Well-informed individuals are saying there is no chance of elections in the next two, three, or even five years. That's because the current government does not want elections," Hafiz said.

"They don't say it, but their gestures, their remarks, and what their advisers say make it clear they will not allow the country's democracy to fully flourish again," he added.

He made the comments while speaking as chief guest at a programme held at the National Sports Council auditorium in Motijheel.

Referring to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Hafiz said the BNP fully supports him.

"But to reinstate democracy and honour the blood of thousands of martyrs, a democratic system must be introduced immediately," he said.

"But we are unable to understand what kind of thinking is going on in their minds," he added.

Hafiz accused the interim government of "playing games" with state governance.

"In a meeting held in February, five general secretaries and I sat with the chief adviser and four others. After the meeting, they announced that elections would take place in December. A week later, that announcement was scrapped. Now they say elections will be held by June next year. This is nothing but toying with the fate of the state," he said.

On the issue of the humanitarian corridor, Hafiz expressed concern.

"Are we about to become involved in a war without public consent? The citizens of this country are deeply anxious. So are we."

The BNP leader reiterated that his party seeks only one thing — a free and fair election.

"Let the people choose their preferred party. We have no objection to the result," he said.

Hafiz also commented on cricketer Shakib Al Hasan's political involvement, claiming he had advised Shakib not to join Awami League politics.

"Had he listened and stayed away from this dummy election, he could have walked the streets of Dhaka with honour. Now, even returning home might be difficult for him," he added.