BNP Standing Committee Member Major (retired) Hafizuddin Ahmed on Monday expressed concern over the appointment of several pro-Awami League (AL) individuals to the advisory council of the interim government.
Speaking at a discussion at Dhaka Reporters' Unity, he said, "The entire country, as well as the government, may be in danger if the appointment of advisors with AL affiliations to the interim government is not stopped."
"Because AL does not believe in building a democratic society or ensuring the right to vote for the people," he added.
Hafiz continued, "At a critical moment for the country, the people entrusted the interim government, under the leadership of Dr Muhammad Yunus, with holding a free and fair general election."
"But from my perspective, the interim government may have an intention to extend its time in power, as there is no visible progress in its reform efforts. This is why people think they intend to stay in power for 20 years," Hafiz stated.
He urged the government to arrange the national election by completing the electoral reforms in a very short time. "The remaining reforms can be undertaken by the elected government. I do not see any reform happening anywhere. It is already evident that many pro-Awami League individuals have been included in the advisory council," said Hafiz.
The programme was organised by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal to commemorate National Revolution and Solidarity Day, marking the civil-military uprising of 7 November 1975.
Hafiz, a BNP Standing Committee member, said that the Awami League's "fascist government," led by Sheikh Hasina, has dismantled all the country's institutions, including the police. "They have turned the police into a force of oppression."
He added that Sheikh Hasina's government has enacted laws like the Digital Security Act to silence the voice of the people and suppress dissent.
The BNP leader said the government's hold on power was shaken in the face of a strong movement by the BNP and other political parties.
"At the peak of the protests, students and their parents joined the movement, forcing Sheikh Hasina to flee the country in just one outfit. She couldn't even take a second sari, yet she shows no remorse," he remarked.
