BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday sharply criticised the proposed plan to hold the national election in April, calling it an “unwise” and “ill-considered” decision.
Speaking at a food distribution programme organised by the Jatiyatabadi Van and Rickshaw Sramik Dal in Dhaka, Rizvi questioned the rationale behind Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’ recent statement suggesting an April election.
“Why is the Chief Adviser considering April based on the opinions of just one or two individuals or political parties?” Rizvi asked. “April is a month of extreme heat, storms and heavy rainfall. It’s also when SSC and other public exams take place.”
He pointed out that if the election is held in April, campaigning would coincide with the holy month of Ramadan and the post-Eid period, making it difficult for people to observe fasts while participating in political activities.
Rizvi alleged that the interim government is setting democracy against reform and questioned whether it, too, seeks to remain in power indefinitely, like former leaders Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina.
He accused the Awami League of systematically dismantling democratic institutions over the last 15–16 years and depriving the people of their right to vote through rigged elections. “Sheikh Hasina has crushed the sanctity of free and fair elections,” he said.
Stressing the importance of fair elections for democracy, Rizvi said people must have the freedom to choose their leaders. “Democracy is meaningless without free and fair elections,” he added.
He reiterated BNP’s longstanding demand that the election be held in December, which he described as a more suitable and practical time for voters.
