ছবি: Photo: Collected
In a speech at a rally in Sylhet on Wednesday (February 19), Advocate Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, a member of the advisory council of the BNP Chairperson and former Member of Parliament, demanded that the government hold elections immediately to restore stability in the country. He emphasized that a democratic country cannot function without the right to vote and criticized the government's resistance to elections out of fear of defeat.
Alal, who was addressing a gathering organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as part of its central program at the Registry Field in Sylhet, stated, "Many become enraged when BNP calls for elections. But we must have elections to stabilize the country. There are efforts to create instability, with forces behind the scenes stoking tensions."
He went on to highlight that the ruling party's reluctance to hold elections was due to the fear of losing power. He pointed out that those who opposed the call for elections were trying to prevent change and progress in the country.
During his address, Alal condemned attempts to disrupt peace and stability in the nation and added that certain individuals abroad were inciting youth to create chaos. "BNP's goal is not to embarrass the government but to guide it onto the right path," he said. "We have outlined a framework for reforms in our 31-point agenda, and these were presented in 2023. Despite various efforts to malign BNP after August 5, we remain committed to protecting democracy and countering all conspiracies against the party."
Alal also took a direct dig at certain political parties without naming them. "When we collect donations, they call it extortion, but when they do the same, they call it gifts. This dual-standard approach must be discarded," he said. "Some parties constantly switch allegiance, sometimes aligning with BNP and other times with the Awami League. They need to settle down and stop playing political games."
Alal criticized the current government's failure to uphold democratic values, freedoms, and citizens' rights over the past 17 years. "In these years, democracy, freedom of expression, and civil liberties have been severely curtailed," he said. "During these times, BNP has consistently led movements against autocracy and has stood by the people in their time of need. We have had the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, and our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who have led us in every struggle."
He further warned that the hopes of the people following the August 5 events must not be shattered. "The efforts of Tarique Rahman to restore democracy are being appreciated by the public and civil society," he said.
Alal also criticized the ruling Awami League, calling on them to apologize to the nation. "The Awami League must seek forgiveness from the people. The time for 'apologies' is over. Sheikh Hasina is no longer the leader of the Awami League; she is the leader of her family. She and her family have fled the country, and none of their family members have been arrested," he added.
Addressing the government’s failure in managing the economy, Alal stated, "This government claims to have widespread support, yet it has failed to control rising prices. If it cannot bring prices down, those responsible should be relieved of their duties." He pointed out that the trade adviser could have taken steps to control the prices but failed to do so. "The government should act quickly to curb the price hike of essentials and ensure that the situation does not worsen," he said.
The rally, which was held to demand an election roadmap, the restoration of democratic values, and an end to fascist rule, was presided over by Sylhet District BNP President Abdul Kayyum Chowdhury. The rally also called for improved law and order, curbing the price rise, and a roadmap for elections.
Special guests at the event included BNP Chairperson’s advisor Khondkar Abdul Muktadir Khan, Tahsina Rushdir Luna, former Sylhet City Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and several central BNP leaders. The rally also witnessed the participation of leaders and workers from various BNP affiliates, including the Youth Front, Volunteer Team, Students’ Front, War Veterans’ Front, Women’s Front, JASAS, Farmers’ Front, Labor Front, Ulema Front, and Fishermen’s Front, as well as local and regional BNP and its allied organizations.
The gathering reinforced BNP’s stance on democratic restoration and economic relief for the people while challenging the current administration’s failure to meet public expectations. The call for immediate elections was central to the rally's message, with a strong appeal to unify against the ruling government's policies.
repoter