BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has stated that a national election could be held as early as June or July if the Election Commission (EC) performs its duties efficiently.
Speaking at a public gathering on Friday (7 March) at Bhuban Mohan Park Shaheed Minar in Rajshahi, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi questioned the necessity of delaying the election until December.
He criticised the sluggish approach towards electoral preparations, emphasising that the EC's prompt action could facilitate an earlier vote.
The event, organised by "Amra BNP Paribar", was attended by families of individuals who lost their lives during protests against the previous administration of Sheikh Hasina.
Addressing the gathering, Rizvi reaffirmed BNP's stance on the interim government, asserting that it should be regarded as a caretaker administration under Muhammad Yunus’ leadership.
He expressed hope that the government would act with fairness towards the people and political parties, citing Yunus' international reputation as a guarantee of integrity.
However, Rizvi raised concerns over comments from certain government-affiliated figures who claimed that holding an election by December would be difficult.
He dismissed such assertions, stating that nearly seven months had already passed and another nine to ten months remained—ample time to conduct polls.
Criticising delays under the pretext of electoral reforms, Rizvi asked, “How long does it take to implement reforms? Law enforcement agencies must function according to the law, free from external influence. Institutions must operate within their legal framework. Why should this require excessive time?”
He also stressed the urgency of a parliamentary election before local government elections, arguing that the return of power to the people should be prioritised to prevent the resurgence of authoritarian rule.
“First comes the national election; local government elections can follow. Reforms are an ongoing process meant to ensure no dictatorship ever rises again.”
Rizvi further dismissed calls for a Constituent Assembly election, questioning its necessity when the country already has a constitution.
He accused Sheikh Hasina of incorporating fascist provisions into the constitution but maintained that these could be amended through legal processes.
Turning to foreign affairs, he claimed that India had historically treated Bangladesh as a client state and now hosted Hasina’s allies as "garden house guests."
He further alleged that India was engaging in discussions with the United States regarding Bangladesh, questioning what authority India had to negotiate on the country’s behalf.
Rizvi also accused the former Prime Minister of using the judiciary to target BNP, arguing that her tenure was marked by personal vendettas against the opposition.
During the event, financial assistance was provided to affected families, with Tk1 lakh awarded to the families of those killed, and Tk50,000 to the injured.
