Although public expectations surrounding the election are high, “a certain group has taken to the field to delay it,” says Khasru
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. Sketch: TBS
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Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. Sketch: TBS
Investment, businesses, and even family decisions have come to a standstill in the country due to the upcoming elections, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (9 November).
“People are saying, ‘we will do it after the election’. Now people want liberation through the election. All decisions of the people are now on hold,” the BNP leader said while addressing a book unveiling ceremony at the CRAB auditorium in the capital.
Although public expectations surrounding the election are high, “a certain group has taken to the field to delay it,” he added.
Mentioning that the group is essentially “against democracy,” Khasru questioned, “Those who want to delay the election—are they people of democracy? Can they be trusted?”
Referring to the interim government, he said it was formed under the Constitution, which has no provision for holding a referendum.
“They formed the government under the spirit of the Constitution. The Constitution exists now, and under this, there is no option for a referendum. Holding a referendum before or even on the election day is not acceptable under this Constitution,” he noted.
Khasru added that by agreeing to hold the referendum on the election day, the BNP has demonstrated generosity to help maintain a tolerant political atmosphere in the country and prevent chaos.
He mentioned that several BNP committees are currently working on how the future Bangladesh will function. “The reason is that once BNP assumes power, it can start making decisions from day one without delay. These teams’ work is nearing completion.”
Regarding the discussions of the National Consensus Commission, he said that issues marked with a “note of dissent” indicate a lack of agreement.
“Where there is a note of dissent, it means there is disagreement. Disagreement means there is no consensus. Matters without consensus cannot go to a referendum,” he said.
“The discussions within the Consensus Commission can only move forward on the points of agreement. But now, several demands are being raised that were not part of the consensus,” he added.
The BNP leader further said that since the interim government is unelected, no state institution has been functioning properly over the past 14 months.
“No government can work effectively without being elected by the people. This interim government has also failed to do so. I am not blaming them,” he said.