BNP's acting chairperson Taqriue Rahman masterminded the July-August uprising that resulted in the fall of Sheikh Hasina, said Zainul Abdin Farroque, adviser to the BNP chairperson.
"We were out on the streets, leading the anti-discrimination movement. The mastermind behind this movement was Tarique Rahman, along with the BNP and the 12-party alliance," he said speaking at a meeting with representatives of Bangladesh’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Sunday (27 October).
"Efforts to manufacture a political crisis are underway," he added.
Addressing Dr Yunus, the BNP leader remarked, “We have profound trust in you. To uphold that trust, we urge you to promptly announce an election date after discussions with all political parties."
“We do not wish to see an election where results are announced while the commission is still in bed. We demand an election where the day's votes are counted during the day, not at night," he added.
Highlighting potential destabilising factors in the current political environment, he warned of reactionary forces attempting to exploit the situation to create a new crisis outside the Bangabhaban.
Turning his address to Sheikh Hasina, Farroque asserted, “You have left many mothers bereft of their children, prompting your departure amid the student-led anti-discrimination movement. You plotted to retain power until 2040, aiming to turn Bangladesh into an Indian state. Bangladeshis are left questioning why the Indian government under Modi would offer refuge to a leader responsible for the deaths of thousands of our citizens.”
Shahadat Hossain Selim, newly elected president of the Bangladesh LDP, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Creating a constitutional void will not fulfil anyone’s aspirations for power. We seek a genuine election; we have fought for 15 years to secure one. You have no right to amend the constitution, and any attempt to do so will lead to severe consequences.”
