In 1971, you opposed our Liberation War. Please don't oppose the election the people want.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday blamed the interim government for the country's ongoing political crisis, accusing it of deepening divisions instead of resolving them.
"The crisis we are facing today has been created by the present interim government," he said at a programme organised by Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob) to mark its 53rd founding anniversary at the Jatiya Press Club.
Later, at a programme organised by Ganashonghati Andolan, Fakhrul urged the government to end the debate over the July National Charter and its implementation recommendations and focus on holding parliamentary elections.
"What has happened, has happened. Please resolve these issues so that together we can move towards the elections, and by solving these problems, work for the welfare of the people. Move forward on that path," he said.
At the JSD-Rob programme, Fakhrul, without naming any party, urged those demanding a referendum to stop their agitation and refrain from creating chaos.
"In the past, you opposed the independence of Pakistan's provinces, and in 1971, you opposed our Liberation War. Please don't oppose the election the people want," he said.
"The people of this country never forgive betrayal. Step away from that path. Participate in the election and let the people's right be restored through their votes — that's what we all want," he added.
Fakhrul said there is no scope to hold a referendum before the national election.
Confirming that the BNP will take part in the scheduled February elections, he said, "A certain quarter is trying to derail and delay the election by spreading confusion in various ways."
Recalling the final charter signed amid rain on October 17, he said the document later presented to the chief adviser did not reflect all their opinions.
"The notes of dissent we submitted were not mentioned. That is why the bridge of trust has been broken. Instead of honouring the trust, they have betrayed it and deceived the people. It was unexpected," he said.
He added, "We all want the people's mandate to be established through elections, and a government formed by the people. We need to move in a direction that allows us to overcome this crisis, and we must do so."