BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that fugitive acolytes of the dictatorship must not be given the opportunity for rehabilitation.

He also said that the way a certain group is now portraying reforms and elections as opposing forces is undoubtedly driven by political motives.

"To those advocating for national elections only after completing reforms, I say—reform has no endpoint. Reform is a continuous process," he added.

While virtually addressing an iftar party held at the Ladies Club on Bailey Road in Dhaka on Friday from London, he alleged that the push for reforms and the call for elections have deliberately been brought into confrontation.  

“Holding the local government election before the national one would mean the rehabilitation of the cohorts of the defeated autocratic regime,” he said, calling upon the government to stay aside from such a decision.   

The entire world witnessed how deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was hanging on to power illegally by holding elections going beyond the country’s constitution, he said.

“Confusion has been created within the anti-fascist unity by elevating a less important issue to the forefront,” he said

He categorically said that no opportunity would be given to the fugitives of the dictatorial Awami League for their political rehabilitation in the country.

“A new horizon has unfolded for us following the fall of the mafia. Merits of all professionals will have to be utilised to take our country forward,” he said.

The BNP leader once again emphasised the importance of conducting the national election before all other elections, including those for local bodies.

Hours before his comments on banning Awami League, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi questioned why the party should not be allowed to engage in politics under the leadership of individuals with clean image.

BDST: 1143 HRS, MAR 22, 2025
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