DHAKA – In a sharp escalation of political rhetoric, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has issued a direct and stringent warning to the Interim Government’s Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Fakhrul asserted that Dr. Yunus must honor his pledge to the nation by implementing only the essential initial reforms necessary to hold a swift and acceptable election. He warned that any attempt to push through major, deep-seated reforms before the polls—or a delay in the election itself—would make the Chief Adviser’s government ‘solely accountable’ for the fallout.
The stern message was delivered today, Wednesday, at a publication ceremony held at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
Core Demands and Warning
Addressing the Chief Adviser directly, Fakhrul laid out the BNP’s clear expectations:
• Honour the Pledge: “Dr. Yunus, you are bound by a pledge to the people. Implement the necessary limited reforms and hold the election.”
• A Parliament’s Job: He insisted that the major reforms currently being proposed are the sole responsibility of the legitimate parliament that will be formed following a credible election. “If you deviate or go beyond this mandate,” Fakhrul warned, “Dr. Yunus’s government will bear the full responsibility.”
• Delay Empowers Fascism: Fakhrul fiercely opposed any electoral delay, arguing that “the longer the election is postponed, the more powerful fascism becomes.” He accused those “who wish to see anarchy” of being the ones pushing for a postponement.
Allegation of ‘Betrayal’ on the July Charter
The BNP Secretary General also strongly criticized the recommendations recently submitted by the Consensus Commission regarding the implementation of the ‘July Charter.’
He expressed “utter shock” that a crucial commitment made to the BNP had been unilaterally abandoned.
“I was astounded to see that the promise to include the BNP’s ‘Note of Dissent’ in the Charter was excluded. This constitutes a clear betrayal of the political parties and the people. These issues must be swiftly reformed and rectified.”
The Opposition party is now demanding immediate changes to the commission’s recommendations to restore political trust and ensure a level playing field for the transition process
