Staff Correspondent

BNP on Thursday issued a stark warning that it may be forced to reconsider its cooperation with the interim government if a specific roadmap for holding the next general election within December next is not announced immediately.

Speaking at a press conference, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain also urged the interim government to immediately relieve certain ‘controversial advisors’, including those who allegedly have affiliations with a newly formed political party and the National Security Adviser, for the sake of neutrality and the government’s reputation.

“The highest priority now is to establish an elected political government as soon as possible in accordance with the aspirations of the people, in order to restore the lost democratic rights, constitutional rights, human rights and voting rights, embodying the aspirations of the student-led July mass uprising,” he said.

“So, we demand an immediate announcement of a specific roadmap for the formation of a national parliament by December 2025 through a fair, free and impartial election,” he added.

Mosharraf said the primary agenda of this interim government should be to meet the people’s highest aspiration which is a credible national election. “Otherwise, it will be difficult for the BNP, as a party of the people, to continue its cooperation with this government,” he warned.

The BNP leader said the interim government must ensure neutrality as it prepares for the upcoming national election, and stressed that retaining politically biased individuals in advisory roles is damaging to both the government's image and public confidence.

“Everyone knows and understands that some advisors of the interim government are directly and indirectly involved with a new political party and their presence in the advisory council is constantly questioning the non-partisan identity of the government. So, it is necessary to relieve them of their duties to protect the image of the government,” he said.

Dr Mosharraf said Wednesday’s comment by National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman involving BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has sparked fresh controversy.

“To protect the integrity of the government, he too must be relieved of his duties. We have raised the demand for the removal of some advisors who are cohorts of fascism many times in the past,” he said.

Since the main task of this government is to hold a national parliamentary election, the BNP leader said it is advisable to have a leaner advisory council to conduct routine work (daily activities) instead of having a large advisory council.

He also said if the government disregards the party’s proposals and concerns raised in the press conference, as in the past, the BNP will be compelled to reconsider its cooperation with the interim administration.

The BNP Standing Committee arranged the press conference at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office.

BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed were also present at the press conference.