Interim govt failing to prioritise due to fascist influence: BNP's Salam

BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Abdus Salam on Sunday said the interim government is failing to prioritise its actions, distracted by the influence of fascist elements.

Speaking at a discussion, he also questioned why the cases against BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had not been withdrawn, while those against interim government chief Dr Muhammad Yunus were dismissed just in a day.

“The current government is misguided by Hasina's ghosts, who still remain in various places, including the administration. So, they (govt) can't decide what to do first and what to do later,” the BNP leader said.

Salam said it is shameful that students and ordinary people, who were injured and maimed during the July-August movement, have to take to the streets three months after the formation of the interim government. “It’s unfortunate that they can’t decide the priorities of their responsibilities.”

He also criticised the government for talking about constructing 250 stadiums across the country, asking, “Is this their responsibility? Their main job is to organise a fair and acceptable election and hand over power to the politicians.”

Salam bemoaned that they still have to negotiate with this government to have their cases withdrawn. “It’s true, but it may be bitter that if Prof Yunus’s cases can be dismissed in one day, why should Tarique Rahman’s cases not be withdrawn in the same way?”

He observed that the current government is necessary for practical reasons. “Similarly, Tarique Rahman is needed in the country to resist the hegemonists who are trying to raise their heads again.”

Jagrata Bangladesh, a pro-BNP organisation, arranged a programme at the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the withdrawal of cases against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

Salam, also a former president of the BNP’d Dhaka South City unit, warned the government that fascist forces could re-emerge if there is a delay in holding the national elections.

“Many people say that the BNP will come to power if the election is held now. Ultimately, the people will decide who comes to power through their votes,” he said.

The BNP leader said that Sheikh Hasina had prevented people from casting their votes over the last 17 years, fearing BNP's return to power. “We now have to consider whether the ghost of Hasina's fascism has overpowered the current government.”

Referring to an adviser’s comment that the mass uprising on August 5 was not for voting, Salam said BNP has been leading street movements to restore the people's right to vote. “Since independence, we have failed to establish the people’s right to vote.