NCP rallies creating impression govt can't maintain control: Salahuddin
Looking at the nature of the NCP's recent programmes, BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today said it appears that a situation is being deliberately orchestrated to portray that the government is unable to maintain control.
Speaking at a Jubo Dal rally in Nayapaltan, he warned that circumstances could cast doubt on the government's ability to hold credible elections.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "For the democracy of Bangladesh, you [NCP] will make greater contributions in the future. I hope you become national leaders," he said.
"However, a situation is being created to suggest that the government is unable to maintain control – how will it conduct elections?" he added, referring to the violence centring the NCP's rally in Gopalganj yesterday.
Salahuddin said the chief adviser has yet to officially instruct the Election Commission to prepare for elections in the first week of February.
"We had hoped, following the London meeting [with Tarique Rahman], the chief adviser would give directions for preparing the election. While discussions are ongoing with law enforcement and administrative bodies, no formal instruction has been issued yet," he said.
He said that the BNP hopes the message will be sent from the Chief Adviser's Office to the Election Commission, which will reassure the people, he added.
The BNP leader further said they want the election held under this neutral government to be a shining example for the world and future generations.
"There should be no questions raised about its transparency. So that no one raises concerns that the government is somehow trying to favour a particular party," he added.
Condemning recent clashes, Salahuddin said they did not expect that the "fallen fascist force" would dare attack the strength of the mass uprising in Gopalganj or anywhere else.
"...those who have formed a new political party. Who haven't been registered yet... are announcing such political programmes in an emotional and unplanned way. And because of that, today the whole of Bangladesh witnessed the fallen forces launching attacks on the frontline fighters of the nation's mass uprising."
"We have always been advising you [NCP] to gain more experience in the field of politics. Even today, we are saying the same. We wish you a bright future."
Questioning whether pointing fingers at the Election Commission was justified because the Shapla symbol was not allotted, Salahuddin said, "Was there no other symbol besides the national emblem?
"For those who are saying that the sheaf of paddy is also part of the national emblem, the sheaf of paddy has been part of the Election Commission's schedule long before 1978. No one has questioned it until now," he said.
Referring to the two student advisers, the BNP leader claimed they were still serving the interim government but would soon join NCP and contest elections. "The people of Bangladesh understand everything. We are waiting to see how this unfolds."
"Words must be chosen carefully, and political programmes must be thoughtfully formulated," he added.
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