TDS Desk:

The BNP will determine its stance on the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin within its internal forum, according to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

He also said any decision should be thoughtful, adhering to the constitutional process, not impulsively.

“We will not announce BNP’s stance on President Shahabuddin’s resignation in this manner,” he said in response to questions from reporters.

“We have an internal forum. We will make our position clear after discussions in that forum,” said Fakhrul after he and Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal leaders laid a wreath at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman on Jubo Dal’s 46th founding anniversary on Sunday.

Mirza Fakhrul highlighted the need for unity and adherence to constitutional procedures, especially in times of political upheaval.

“To achieve meaningful outcomes from mass uprisings, national unity is crucial. Actions must align with constitutional processes to avoid arbitrary decisions,” he added.

Reiterating the BNP’s demand for a prompt and impartial election and necessary electoral reforms, he said this was the only viable way to resolve ongoing crises.

Responding to whether delaying elections could exacerbate the crisis, he affirmed the need for a swift, neutral election and responsible governance.

On another occasion, BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed addressed a gathering at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.

He warned of rising attempts to engineer a constitutional crisis in Bangladesh, calling for vigilance.

“If a constitutional or political crisis arises, we must carefully examine the forces driving these challenges,” he said, adding that the demand for banning the Awami League reflects popular sentiment, especially given the allegations of human rights abuses.

Salahuddin questioned whether the principles of the nation’s revolution were being honoured.

“The people must remain alert to prevent a state or constitutional crisis, ensuring that remnants of past authoritarianism do not take advantage of the situation,” he added.

He also hinted at potential legal reforms that could hold political parties accountable for past atrocities, noting that any new legislation, such as an amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal law, would face due process.

He said, “If a party is found guilty of genocide, the tribunal’s judgment will be conclusive. We are not issuing any decisions at this stage.”

The BNP leader said the people’s court would decide whether the Awami League has the right to do politics again after carrying out genocide in Bangladesh.

At a separate event held by a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, Zainul Abedin Farroque, a member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council, pointed to recent demonstrations outside Bangabhaban as evidence of a reactionary group attempting to stir a political crisis.

“To foster trust, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus must announce the election date after consulting all parties, which will clarify the nation’s direction,” he said.