TDS Desk:

Anyone should be able to form an independent political party, that is the main goal of democracy, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

He said, “We are not in favour of banning any political party; any party and any individual has the right to form an independent party. But they must be on the side of freedom and sovereignty. Those who do not believe in freedom cannot be supported.”

He made the statement during a press briefing at the BNP chairperson’s office in the capital’s Gulshan where he also demanded the interim government hold dialogues with the political parties as soon as possible.

He said they are willing to provide a reasonable timeframe and full cooperation to the interim government established through a mass upsurge. “We’ll continue to do so as long as we believe the government is on the right track.”

When asked to explain the logical timeframe for the interim government, the BNP leader stated that it is a matter for discussion.

“We need to determine it through mutual discussions. We must address what we want, what they want, and what the people want. The current government needs to engage in talks with political parties very soon. I previously emphasised this, and I am reiterating Wednesday that discussions should be held promptly. Otherwise, many misunderstandings could arise,” he said.

He advised the leaders and activists not to file a case in a rash manner, verify it through a proper investigation by the police. Do not file a case that will not be tried.

All cases should be filed in the name of those who are involved and not in the name of central leaders, he added. In many places, cases are being filed against the District Commissioner and they are being accepted as well.

“We want to cooperate with the current government to ensure a stable environment,” he added.

Claiming that BNP has sacrificed much for the establishment of democracy in this country in the last 15 years, he said BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has served six years in jail in a completely false case and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has been exiled.

“There are no BNP activists who have not been subjected to unjust oppression,” he added.