BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on today (9 June) said their party will remain on the streets to realise its demand for arranging the next general election in December this year.
“Our movement for elections is going on. It doesn’t need to be tied to Eid, the monsoon, or any other timeline. We’ve been pressing for this (a credible election) for 17 years. We now want to see an end to this,” he said while talking to reporters at his Nayapaltan office.
The BNP leader said their party wants to see an election held where voters can cast their ballots without fear. “We are in the movement and we will always demand the election until it is held.”
When asked about possible programmes in support of their demand, he said the nature of the movement will be determined on the streets.
Gayeshwar criticised the government’s stance on holding the election in April, saying that this time is not suitable for voting due to the unfavourable weather and the month of Ramadan.
“There’s a trust deficit among people as they fear the election may be delayed again on the pretext of weather and Ramadan. Can people trust this government? The government must earn people’s trust and show they are sincere in handing over power through a proper election,” he said.
The BNP leader emphasised that the demand for elections is not their party’s demand alone. “BNP speaks on behalf of the people. The demand for credible elections reflects public sentiment.”
He said the government set April for the election due to an ego problem. “If the government sheds its ego, it can reconsider the election time.”
Stating that demanding an election is nothing unfair, Gayeshwar said, adding, “If the government holds it in November instead of December, does that hurt its prestige?”
He questioned why elections cannot be held in December instead of April, asking what the obstacle is.
The BNP leader criticised the government for not providing a clear explanation as to why it has set April for the election instead of December.
“The transition to democracy or the election should have been the main agenda of the government. But it has created a debate about irrelevant or impossible issues instead of keeping the election on the main agenda,” he observed.
