Online Desk //

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has termed the plan to hold the national parliamentary elections in April as an ‘unconsequential’ and ‘irrational’ decision.

At a food distribution program of the Nationalist Van-Rickshaw Workers’ Party in the capital on Sunday, Rizvi said, ‘People think that the decision to hold elections in April is the result of stubborn and immature thinking.’

He said, ‘The announcement made by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to hold elections in the first half of April is questionable in terms of both timing and purpose.’

Rizvi said, ‘Why are only one or two individuals or political parties talking about elections in April? April is the time of extreme heat, storms and rains and SSC public exams. Eid-ul-Fitr will also be over at that time. How is it possible to campaign during Ramadan? Will people fast or campaign?’

He alleged that the caretaker government has pitted democracy against reforms.

Rizvi said, ‘Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina dreamed of staying in power forever. Now the question arises, does the caretaker government have the same desire?’

He further alleged that in the last 15-16 years, the Awami League has consistently destroyed the country’s democratic institutions. People’s voting rights have been taken away. One vote after another has been rigged. Sheikh Hasina has shattered the sanctity of fair elections.’

Rizvi said, ‘Fair elections are the foundation of democracy. People have the right to dissent, to choose their own representatives. That is what elections are.’

He reiterated his demand for holding elections in December and said, ‘December is the most suitable time for elections.’