BNP's Farroque Urges Dr Yunus to Hold Polls Without Delay

BNP Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Saturday called on Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to move ahead with the national election without further delay, stressing the need for essential reforms and accountability for crimes committed during the Awami League’s rule.

"A plot is clearly afoot to postpone the election," Farroque said while addressing a rally organised by the Senbagh Jatiyatabadi Forum in front of the Jatiya Press Club. "We urge the Chief Adviser to act decisively—implement minimum reforms, hold free and fair elections, and ensure justice for Awami League criminals."

Farroque specifically demanded a proper trial of former Awami League MP Morshed Alam, accusing him of serious corruption and abuse of power during the previous administration.

Despite Alam’s recent arrest by the Detective Branch (DB) from Dhaka’s Gulshan area, Farroque criticised the authorities for not seeking his remand. “A man accused of amassing illegal wealth is being transported in an air-conditioned microbus. Why hasn’t he been interrogated yet?” he questioned. “This special treatment demands an explanation.”

He alleged that individuals responsible for killings and large-scale looting have yet to be brought to justice, accusing the current administration of shielding influential figures linked to the Awami League.

“Even when such leaders are arrested, they enjoy privileges and are insulated from proper legal proceedings,” said the former opposition Chief Whip. “Those who laughed while the nation bled must not go unpunished.”

Farroque also warned that Awami League loyalists remain embedded in the administration, working to derail any progress and destabilise the country.

In this context, he pressed Dr Yunus to hold a transparent and credible election that excludes controversial figures like Morshed Alam from returning to power.

“We don’t want another Hasina-style government. We reject corrupt leaders like the former AL law and education ministers. The next election must pave the way for honest and capable leadership,” he asserted.

Separately, Farroque announced BNP’s participation in the upcoming “March for Gaza,” a demonstration against the Israeli genocide in Palestine, reaffirming the party’s solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

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