Desk Report: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has raised concerns about the interim government’s sincerity in ensuring a timely and fair national election, amid growing public skepticism. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka, Fakhrul criticized the government’s handling of the election process and warned that doubts about their commitment to holding the election as planned were mounting.
“We initially supported the interim government, believing it would lead the country toward elections after completing necessary tasks,” Fakhrul said. “However, rising doubts among the public suggest their commitment to a timely election is now uncertain.”
He pointed to comments made by government advisers that have fueled public suspicion. Specifically, Fakhrul criticized LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan’s suggestion that members of the Awami League could participate in elections if they apologized to the public. Fakhrul argued that such remarks were part of a strategy to create space for authoritarian elements, furthering their own interests. “This is a dangerous move,” he added. “Are they using state power to reorganize and strategize for their party?”
Fakhrul also warned against students forming political alliances through unfair means, stressing that the public would not tolerate such manipulative tactics. “The students who were once at the forefront of the mass uprising should not be allowed to form political alliances under such circumstances,” he asserted.
The JCD discussion, themed “The New Style of Student Politics in Post-Mass Uprising Bangladesh,” coincided with the launch of membership renewals for JCD’s Dhaka city units. Fakhrul reiterated BNP’s support for the creation of new political parties but emphasized that such movements must remain independent and not rely on state resources or power for advantage. “New political movements should not be nurtured under the shelter of power,” he stated. “That will never be accepted.”
Fakhrul further urged the head of the interim government to address these growing concerns, warning that failure to do so could result in a complete loss of public trust. “If these issues remain unresolved, public trust in the government will erode completely,” he said. He reaffirmed his earlier position, stating that if the interim government does not remain neutral, a new neutral governing body would be necessary. “Recent developments have only validated my concerns,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib highlighted the sacrifices made by student activists during the July-August mass uprising, citing that over a hundred leaders and activists lost their lives in the struggle. Rakib also accused certain groups of conducting smear campaigns against JCD via social media to damage its reputation.
Rakib expressed concern about the recent clashes at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet), calling for a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure justice for the victims. He alleged that JCD members were being targeted by a covert group operating under the guise of the Anti-Defamation Student platform. “There is no place for mob culture or underground student politics on campuses,” he declared.
Despite the tensions, Rakib reaffirmed JCD’s commitment to student unity and progressive political engagement, aiming to reshape student politics for the betterment of the country.