A three-member delegation from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), headed by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, met with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Monday (10 February) evening, marking six months since the interim government assumed power following the student-led uprising that toppled the Awami League administration.
The meeting, held at the chief adviser's residence, State Guesthouse Jamuna, commenced at 6pm.
During the discussion, the BNP delegation presented a written statement addressing the prevailing political climate, the interim government's performance, and recommendations for future governance.
In the statement, BNP urged that the Awami League be brought to justice for alleged acts of genocide, asserting that the party’s leaders should face legal proceedings for crimes against humanity.
BNP criticised the interim government for its perceived failure to take visible and effective actions against the ousted autocratic regime and its affiliates, suggesting that this inaction has emboldened public tendencies towards vigilante justice.
The party expressed deep concern over inflammatory remarks made by figures associated with the former regime regarding the July-August student uprising.
According to the statement, such comments have incited public outrage, leading to the recent defacement of monuments and nameplates linked to the ousted leadership across Dhaka and other regions.
Accusing the fallen Awami League of conspiring to destabilise the nation through provocative activities, BNP claimed that Sheikh Hasina, now in exile, continues to orchestrate such efforts with the support of a neighbouring state. The party stressed the necessity of initiating judicial processes against the Awami League as a political entity responsible for alleged crimes against humanity.
Highlighting the socio-economic challenges facing the nation, BNP noted rampant inflation, deteriorating law and order, stagnation in trade and investment, and widespread public discontent.
The party argued that the absence of an elected government has led to a loss of confidence among international development partners, impeding economic progress and deterring foreign investments.
BNP also criticised certain advisers within the interim government, alleging their involvement in forming political parties while leveraging state mechanisms for political gains—an act the party described as detrimental to democratic principles.
The delegation called for the swift withdrawal of politically motivated cases filed during the previous regime, the restoration of law and order, measures to curb abnormal price hikes, and the prompt announcement of an electoral roadmap. They further demanded the removal of individuals affiliated with the former fascist regime from all levels of the administration.
Concluding their statement, BNP reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate with the interim government, provided that it prioritises democratic values and works towards establishing a stable political environment through fair and timely elections.
