Dhaka, October 5, 2024: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the interim government to take decisive action against those responsible for enforced disappearances and killings. Speaking to the press after a dialogue with Interim Government Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Fakhrul emphasized that the perpetrators of such crimes have remained beyond the reach of justice, and called for immediate steps to bring them to account.
The dialogue, which took place on Saturday, was part of the interim government’s ongoing discussions with political parties on electoral and administrative reforms. Fakhrul led a six-member BNP delegation in the meeting with Dr. Yunus.
Addressing the media following the talks, Fakhrul stressed the need to withdraw what he described as false and politically motivated cases filed against BNP leaders and activists since 2007 during the Awami League’s rule. He expressed frustration that, despite numerous demands for justice, only one individual, Ziaul Ahsan, has been arrested in connection to these cases.
“We have urged that no controversial individuals be included in the election reform committee,” Fakhrul said. “We also called for the annulment of all Union Parishads formed through fraudulent elections held during the fascist regime.”
Fakhrul further demanded legal action against former Chief Justice Khairul Haque, whom he accused of being responsible for abolishing the caretaker government system, labeling his actions as treason. Additionally, the BNP leader called for the dismissal of biased officials and judges who, he alleged, were appointed based on political loyalty. He also advocated for the cancellation of certain contractual appointments within the administration.
When asked about the government’s priorities, Fakhrul mentioned that the Chief Advisor informed them that the top priority of the interim government is to ensure a free and fair election. “They believe that our demands reflect the people’s demands, and they also consider these demands to be theirs,” he stated.
This dialogue marks a significant step in the interim government’s efforts to engage political parties on necessary reforms leading up to the national elections.
