He reiterates that there is no way to resolve the prevailing crisis without reaching a consensus
BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam has claimed that voter turnout in January 5 election was only 3-5%.
He also reiterated that there was no way to resolve the prevailing crisis without reaching a consensus by holding meaningful dialogues.
The BNP spokesperson said these in a statement issued on Monday evening.
Earlier, the Election Commission officially announced that the average turnout was about 40% in 139 out of 147 constituencies. Poll in the remaining eight seats would be held on January 16. Candidates in 153 constituencies were elected uncontested.
The Election Working Group (EWG), a non-partisan network of 29 leading civil society organisations that observed the 10th parliamentary poll in a limited capacity, claimed that 30.1% of the electorate cast their votes.
Several countries including the US, the UK, the EU and the Commonwealth also expressed frustration over the low turnout.
Fakhrul said: “Sheikh Hasina’s mentality has been exposed through her comment that she will not bow down to any local or international pressure. Saying this, Sheikh Hasina has sent a message to the nation that she does not bother the opinions coming from both the country and abroad.”
The prime minister after the oath-taking of the new cabinet on Sunday said: “You know well that Sheikh Hasina does not succumb to any pressure whether it is national or international. The country is ours and the people are ours. We will continue the work that is needed for the country and the people.”
Fakhrul, who has been staying at an undisclosed location for over the last three weeks, claimed that the prime minister wanted to push the country to a great uncertainty and instability through oppression and repression.
The BNP leader alleged that the Awami League could not establish a people’s government because of holding a “farcical” election.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
