Rizvi compares call for reforms before elections to AL putting development before democracy

Dhaka, 24 Jan -Slamming the government for delaying the national election, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the advisers’ "reforms first, elections later" remark echoed Sheikh Hasina's "development first, democracy later."

Talking to reporters on Friday after paying homage to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, Rizvi also expressed doubt whether the government has any master plan, as a political party is set to launch with its backing.

“The people expect this government to perform its duties impartially and take steps to strengthen democracy. But when we hear 'reform first, then elections,' it sounds like an echo of Sheikh Hasina's words, 'development first, then democracy.' Such statements should not come from any adviser’s mouth,” Rizvi said.

He said the country’s people have waited for 16 years, fought on the streets, shed their blood, and sacrificed their lives for the restoration of democracy and ensuring free and fair elections. “Why is there so much hesitation and delay regarding that free and fair election? This is now the question of the people.”

The BNP leader said it is common for political parties to criticise the government for its inaction in controlling the rising prices of essentials or if its administration fails to operate neutrally.

“So, why are you trying to instill fear of a repeat of 1/11?” We have overcome all obstacles, staying on the streets bravely year after year. Now, will the advisers teach the country's wise politicians what we should support, what we should not support, and what we should talk about and what we should not?” he questioned

Rizvi said their party has placed its full trust in the interim government since its formation. "But our point is, why is there so much delay, no deadline? Why are Hasina's words being repeated—that development comes first, democracy later? We do not want to hear this.

He said some advisers of the interim government have been making negative remarks against BNP, both publicly and covertly.

“We are also hearing that some people within the government are trying to form a political party. If that’s the case, the people can question the neutrality of the government. Other political parties, who have fought for democracy, may think the government is involved in some sort of master plan,” Rizvi said.

He said the government recently conducted a survey through the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), which revealed that the majority of people in the country want local government elections before the national elections.

“The BBS is a government agency, and they have conducted the survey under government supervision. If you conduct a survey through a government agency, they will obviously speak in favour of the government. If your actions are not neutral, the people will naturally question the government's impartiality."

Earlier, Rizvi, along with party leaders and workers, placed a wreath at the Banani grave of Koko in the morning, marking his 10th death anniversary.

BNP leaders and workers marked the 10th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko with various programmes. The party arranged a doa mahfil at its Nayapaltan central office in the morning.

Another doa mahfil was also held at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office in the evening.