Bangladesh will become a ‘failed state’ if election deferred: Fakhrul

Bangla Press Desk:   Bangladesh will turn into a “failed state” if elections are not held before mid-February, warned BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday.

He also warned that the government will have to assume full responsibility if it adopts any move beyond the political consensus reached over nine months and “enforces the move upon the general people.”  

He made the remarks at a public rally held at a school playing field in Borgaon union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila.

Earlier in the day, BNP standing committee released a similar statement, saying the party will not bear any responsibility for government actions taken beyond consensus. In a press conference, the party high command urged the government to “act carefully” in addressing the “contentious demands” raised by different political groups that seek to delay elections.

Fakhrul alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami is demanding proportionate representation (PR) system in national elections in a bid to sow confusions and delay the elections.

The general people and even senior politicians like him do not understand the PR system, but still Jamaat and others are trying to force the confusing system on the countrymen to ultimately defer the neational elections slated in February, Fakhrul added.

Jamaat knows that it would “vanish” from the political scene if elections are held in due time under the present system, Fakhrul alleged.

He also criticised NCP, the party of last year’s front-row uprising leaders, for joining Jamaat in demanding PR system. NCP has no presence in the rural areas and thus are teaming up with Jamaat, the BNP veteran leader alleged.

Fakhrul also urged the countrymen to stay alert against the “hypocritical acts” of Jamaat-e-Islami. Jamaat is promising to give “tickets to the heaven” and misinterpreting Islam to win votes, he alleged. None can but the Almighty Allah and his Prophet can ensure the path to heaven, he said urging caution against misinterpretation of religion.

BP/TD