Zainul Abedin Faruk, adviser to the BNP Chairperson, today urged the interim government to promptly announce the date for the next general election.

“Time is running out. You must set a specific date for the election,” he stated during a discussion about the legacy of the late Saifuddin Ahmed Monir, former General Secretary of the Democratic League, in advancing democracy and voting rights.

The discussion was organized by the National Peoples’ Party (NPP), a major ally within the like-minded Jatiyatabadi alliance, at the Jatiya Press Club on Wednesday.

Faruk, a senior BNP leader, criticized those making excuses for delaying the election by claiming that it would only be held after necessary reforms to various institutions. “The election schedule must be announced alongside the proposed reforms. A fair election is needed, one that allows the people's representatives to come to power and enter parliament,” he asserted.

He emphasized that experienced individuals should run the country, and any constitutional amendments should be made in the Jatiya Sangsad by elected representatives, reflecting the people's desires.

Questioning the interim government’s effectiveness, Faruk said, “The interim government was brought to power to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people. Are those expectations being met?”

He warned that if the Awami League were to regain power by delaying reforms, they would be forced to take to the streets once more. “We don’t want to blockade the roads again. Our goal is to ensure a peaceful environment for the people and restore democracy.”

Faruk expressed his discontent with the interim government's delays, stating, “You have been brought to power to expose those involved in undermining democracy, ruining constitutional organizations, and inflicting pain on countless families.”

He questioned, “Why the delay in fixing the election date in the name of reforms? Reforms and arrests can happen simultaneously. You need to bring back Hasina.”

The BNP leader also raised concerns about how Awami League members facing allegations are granted bail, while police target BNP leaders before filing cases. “The people want answers,” he continued.

He highlighted the questioning of the authenticity of cases being filed and inquired about the whereabouts of those responsible for attacks on BNP offices. “Why are they now citing investigations as an excuse before arrests? Why are members of the Awami League allowed to appear on TV? Why are prices for sugar, onions, and eggs rising? The public deserves answers.”

Faruk called for the immediate removal of names from organizations that have been named after Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman over the past 17 years. “Rename these organizations in honour of the martyrs,” he demanded.

NPP Chairman Dr. Fariduzzaman Farhad, who chaired the discussion, warned that Awami League supporters remain in the administration, plotting against the government. “You must remove them to honour the people’s aspirations,” he urged.

He also called on the interim government to take measures to keep essential commodity prices manageable while holding elections as soon as possible, as the people are eager to exercise their right to vote fairly. “The government and parliament of the people will be established through this election,” he added.

The discussion was moderated by NPP Joint General Secretary Md Farid Uddin. Other speakers included JAGPA President Khandoker Lutfor Rahman, Ganodal Chairman ATM Golam Mawla Chowdhury, NDP Chairman Kari Abu Taher, Secretary General Abdullah Al Harun Sohel, Jatiyatabadi Gonotantrik Party Chairman SM Shahadat Hossain, NPP Secretary General Mostafizur Rahman Mostofa, and Bangladesh NAP Secretary General Engineer Abdul Barik.