TDS Desk:

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that their party is planning to launch a “movement” to help the interim government correct its errors and clear the way for establishing a democratically elected government.

“Any government can make mistakes in its decisions. The interim government may not make all decisions flawlessly. They can also make mistakes,” he said at a program titled “July Mass Uprising: Mass Media and Journalism” at the Jatiya Press Club on Wednesday.

Salahuddin said that political parties, democratic and social forces, as well as the media, have a responsibility to help the government understand its mistakes and govern the country properly by addressing them.

“From that perspective, our party is considering taking swift actions to help the government fix its mistakes and get back on the right path to build a democratic road and clear the way for an elected political government. You can call that (action) as a movement or as criticism,” he said.

The BNP leader said that it is vital to criticize the interim government for its missteps in order to guide it and keep it on track.

He said many questions have arisen regarding what kind of reforms the nation wants, as well as how and when the elections should be conducted.

Salahuddin also said there are questions concerning the government’s success, failure, decisions, and indecision. “So, if we want this interim government to succeed, we must offer sufficient criticism to guide and direct it. We may even have to stage street protests to bring the government back on track.”

He said there will be discussions and debates among the democratic forces in Bangladesh, and decisions should be made in favour of the people upholding the democratic process. “We’ll be defeated, but we’ll let the people win.”

The BNP leader acknowledged that one positive aspect of the current government is that it adjusts its actions in response to criticism.

He also said many reform commissions set up by the government have already submitted their reports, but there has been no further progress on the matter.

The BNP leader expressed hope that the government would first identify the reform proposals that have the agreement of both the people and political parties.

He also laid emphasis on fostering national unity to resist the rise of fascism. “It is essential to maintain the mass expectations created through the mass uprising, and the national unity must be preserved.”