BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Thursday, "Granting magistracy power to the army across the country is not a prudent move."
Speaking at a programme at Thakurgaon Press Club he urged the interim government to reconsider giving the army magistracy powers across the country and said, "This decision reflects a failure of other institutions to carry out their responsibilities effectively and it is likely to create new problems."
Fakhrul said, "I urge the interim government to reconsider this matter. They should not take any step that could ultimately backfire on them and could be detrimental to politics and the people."
He said, "The army should be given magistracy powers only in areas that went out of control."
Fakhrul said in peaceful areas where political leaders are managing the situation, empowering the army with magistracy powers would not be appropriate and could create new problems.
He said, "We are hopeful that the interim government will eliminate all obstacles and create an environment conducive to holding fair and inclusive election."
"I urge the interim government to ensure a democratic state. Democracy means having an elected government and a functioning parliament," he said.
Fakhrul also stated that he believes allowing politicians to fulfil their political duties is the only solution to the country's political problems.
He said the interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, was formed with the support of all following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime. "The interim government is working to bring to justice the crimes committed by Sheikh Hasina's administration within a short period. Sheikh Hasina was the main perpetrator of these crimes and thousands of people were murdered on her orders."
Fakhrul pointed out that the oppression under Sheikh Hasina's regime began well before the recent student and public movements, dating back to 2012.
He said that over 700 leaders and activists of the BNP became victims of enforceddisappearance and were tortured in 'Ayna Ghar,' while several thousand party leaders and activists were killed.
He said that BNP wants reforms, as it does not wish to see a situation in which people are subjected to injustice and oppression.
"There should be no more shootings and killings of children. I urge the interim government to compile a list of those injured during the anti-discrimination movement and ensure their medical treatment," he said.
