Photo : Collected
As the general elections in Bangladesh draw closer, the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is taking all-out preparations to contest in the upcoming polls.
Party insiders have revealed that BNP leaders are actively engaged in both preparing for an anti-government movement and organizing for the elections, which are scheduled to take place later this year.
To strengthen their support base, BNP leaders and activists celebrated Eid in their respective constituencies, where they displayed posters and banners to rally support for the party. This move was aimed at consolidating their presence and garnering public support ahead of the crucial elections.
In an exclusive conversation with The Daily Messenger, BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Vice Chairman Advocate Nitai Ray Choudhury shed light on the ongoing protest and the party's preparations for the upcoming elections.
Advocate Nitai Ray Choudhury explained the rationale behind spending Eid in their respective areas, saying, "We have not had the opportunity for democratic protests for a long time. So we want to utilize this occasion during the holiday season in our constituencies.”
“That's why we are present in our respective areas, reviving the protest movement during the Eid vacation."
When questioned about the nature of the upcoming protest, Choudhury said, "We will engage in an all-out movement, and preparations for it are underway."
He expressed confidence in the support BNP has garnered, saying, "In this struggle, we are not alone. We have the support of various classes and professions, nationalist forces, and several political parties. Nearly 30 political parties are involved in BNP's protest. Victory will be ours."
Inquiries regarding the anti-government protest were directed to BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
When asked about the framework of the protest, Rizvi replied, "There are no flaws or shortcomings in our protest. However, discussions are ongoing regarding how to expand it further."
Addressing concerns about the progress of the protest, Rizvi said, "Our protest has its inherent nature. We need to consider the venue, environment, and various factors. The necessary groundwork is being prepared, and the required steps are being taken."
Rizvi also hinted at the possibility of a one-time protest after Eid-ul-Azha, stating, "We have never backed down from a one-time protest. It could take place before or after Eid, but no decision has been made yet”.
He added, “However, it will happen swiftly. Therefore, a decision will be made through discussions with everyone."
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, two days before Eid-ul-Azha, addressed questions during a conversation with The Daily Messenger. When asked about the form and joint declaration of the anti-government movement, Alamgir urged patience, saying, "Don't be impatient. Everything is in progress. We must be patient and move forward in our own way."
Expressing his confidence in the party's future, Alamgir declared, "The Awami League government will have to step down. They have lost public acceptance, and they will be compelled to form an election-time caretaker government to oversee the upcoming general elections."
TDM/SD
