Fakhrul Doubts Interim Govt’s Commitment to Timely Election

Speaking at a discussion organized by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka, Fakhrul accused the students who once led movements against the Awami League government of now accommodating fascist elements to protect their own interests.

“We initially supported the interim government, believing it would work towards a timely election. However, doubts have now emerged about its seriousness in holding the election at all,” Fakhrul stated. He cited various comments by advisers, which have fueled suspicions regarding the interim government's intentions.

The discussion, titled "The New Style of Student Politics in Post-Mass Uprising Bangladesh," marked the launch of membership renewals for JCD’s Dhaka city units.

Fakhrul criticized Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan for suggesting that Awami League members could participate in elections after apologizing to the public. Fakhrul dismissed this idea, saying the nation would not accept such a move.

“This is an attempt to create space for fascists for their own political gain. This is extremely dangerous. Does this mean they are using the government to organize their party?” he asked.

The BNP leader emphasized that they would not allow students involved in the mass uprising to form a political party using such tactics. “The people will not tolerate such underhanded methods,” he added.

Fakhrul reiterated that the BNP would support any new political party but rejected the idea of forming one while remaining in power and utilizing state resources. “That will never be accepted,” he said.

He once again urged the interim government’s head to address these concerns, warning that failure to do so would erode the public’s trust in the government. “If the government loses its neutrality, another neutral government will be required,” he added.

JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the sacrifices of over 100 JCD members who were killed during the July-August mass uprising, and the continued repression of JCD activists over the past 16 years. Rakib accused a certain group of attempting to damage JCD’s reputation through social media campaigns.

He also condemned the recent violence at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. Rakib alleged that the attack on JCD members was orchestrated by a secret organization using the Anti-Defamation Student platform as a cover.

The JCD leader stressed that there should be no room for mob culture or underground student politics on campuses, but also expressed a desire for unity among students involved in the mass uprising to create a new form of student politics that contributes positively to the nation’s development.