BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed concerns regarding the impartiality of the interim government.
He urged the interim administration to adopt a neutral stance in its governance, especially during this critical juncture for the nation.
"We have observed that in certain matters, the interim government has struggled to maintain neutrality. Therefore, I urge and expect them to play a more impartial role," he said speaking at an event held at the National Press Club auditorium on Thursday (23 January).
Referring to his recent interview with the BBC, Fakhrul elaborated that a neutral government is essential to resolve the prevailing crisis and to responsibly guide the nation.
Highlighting the dearth of credible elections in the past 15 years, the BNP leader remarked that this election would offer the people an opportunity to choose their representatives.
"If the process is deliberately made contentious, the citizens will once again be deprived of their voting rights. From our experiences, we know that prolonged delays in elections often allow other forces to rise, sidelining public demands entirely," he added.
Fakhrul further underscored the heightened expectations of the populace in the wake of the recent student-led uprising.
However, he lamented that the current state of affairs raises doubts about whether these expectations will be met.
He expressed concerns over the unchanged bureaucratic structure, the stagnation in educational institutions, and the crumbling healthcare system, acknowledging that these issues have roots in past administrations but stressing the need for immediate reform.
"The swift conduct of elections is imperative," he emphasised.
"A newly elected government with political commitment can then shoulder the responsibility of addressing the pressing demands of the people."
The BNP leader also pointed out the criticality of democratic reforms before the elections.
"Should we wait four or five years for these reforms to be completed? Must the people remain deprived of their right to vote until then?" Fakhrul questioned.
The discussion session was attended by several prominent political figures, including BNP Chairperson's advisers Amanullah Aman and Zahir Uddin Swapan, Joint Secretary-General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Gonosonghoti Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, and Asad’s brother Dr Azizullah M. Nuruzzaman.
