Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has expressed concerns over the state of democracy in the country, stating that democracy is no longer within our grasp.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at Shaheed Zia Memorial Football Tournament at Shaheed Abul Kashem College field in Lalmonirhat's Barobari area on Saturday.
Gayeshwar said, "People are not here to listen to you or me; they want their representatives to listen to them through their votes."
He also emphasized the need for citizens to freely and joyfully exercise their right to vote.
Addressing Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, he stated, "Prices of essential commodities are beyond reach. The government must call elections soon to save citizens from the soaring cost of living. Otherwise, the country will face even more dire consequences. If Bangladesh cannot function as an independent sovereign state, it will end up like Sri Lanka."
Gayeshwar further criticized the government, stating, "People do not care about reforms; they care about the price of goods. Today, they cry out for a drug-free and terrorism-free nation. They are not demanding massive reforms meant for the governing class; they want solutions to their everyday problems."
He also took a jab at Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, saying, "You used to say 'Let the games begin.' But this time, you will not be able to participate in this election tournament."
The event was presided over by BNP Organizing Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu.
Other notable speakers included BNP National Executive Committee Member Ishraque Hossain and District BNP Joint Secretary AKM Mominul Haque.
