‘Govt must remember it is not an elected one’

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today cautioned the interim government against “displaying excessive assertiveness” by setting a seven-day deadline for achieving political consensus on the referendum issue, saying such an approach does not befit a non-elected administration.

“The government must remember it is not an elected one. Your mandate extends only to holding a free and fair election, and BNP’s support will continue only up to that point,” he said at a programme organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in Dhaka.

Criticising the government for invoking other parties’ names to call BNP for talks, he said, “This is not a decent approach. Invite us directly if you truly want dialogue — do not hide behind other parties.”

Salahuddin claimed that BNP maintains active political communication with all parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Recalling that he was the first to propose the idea of a referendum, Salahuddin said turning it into a divisive issue is unacceptable. “The referendum must take place on the same day as the national election. Holding it separately would be costly and impractical.”

He also criticised the recent ultimatum issued by Islamist parties over the referendum issue, saying, “Whom are you warning? The government is already working in your favour. So, who are these ultimatums really for?”

The BNP leader alleged that the chief adviser’s endorsement of the consensus commission’s recommendations represents a clear conflict of interest.

“The commission’s report fails to reflect months of discussion. Its tenure has expired, and its members have already returned to the United States,” he added.

Commenting on the upcoming 13th national election, Salahuddin said the schedule is likely to be announced in early December, giving about two months for campaigning.

“Within that time, all propaganda by fascists and their allies will collapse,” he said, urging Chhatra Dal activists to actively campaign for BNP candidates in their constituencies.

He also advised student leaders to develop their intellectual capacity by reading more books, saying, “The politics of the future will be based on merit, the era of empty rhetoric is over.”