Online Desk  :   BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has raised concerns over the interim government’s sincerity in ensuring a timely national election, as public doubts continue to grow. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka, Fakhrul criticized the government’s approach, stating that students who once opposed the Awami League regime now appear to be accommodating authoritarian elements to serve their own interests.

“We initially supported the interim government, believing it would steer the country towards elections after fulfilling necessary tasks. However, rising doubts among the public suggest that their commitment to holding the election as planned is now uncertain,” Fakhrul said. He pointed out that certain remarks by advisers have fueled public skepticism about the interim administration’s true intentions. Fakhrul specifically denounced a statement by LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, who suggested that Awami League members could participate in elections if they apologized to the public.

“This clearly indicates that they are trying to create space for fascist forces to protect their own interests. Such a move is extremely dangerous. Are they using state power to strategize and reorganize their party?” Fakhrul questioned. JCD organized the discussion under the theme “The New Style of Student Politics in Post-Mass Uprising Bangladesh,” coinciding with the launch of membership renewals for its Dhaka city units. Fakhrul warned that students involved in the mass uprising should not be allowed to form political alliances through unfair means. “The public will not tolerate any such manipulative tactics,” he asserted.

He emphasized that while BNP welcomes the formation of new political parties, such efforts must be independent and not reliant on state resources. “We support the creation of new political movements, but not when it happens under the shelter of power and undue advantages. That will never be accepted,” he stated. Fakhrul urged the head of the interim government to address these growing concerns immediately. “If these issues are not resolved, public trust in the government will erode completely,” he warned.

Reaffirming his previous stance, Fakhrul stated that if the current interim government fails to remain neutral, another neutral governing body will be necessary. “Recent developments have validated my concerns,” he remarked. Meanwhile, JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib highlighted the struggles faced by student activists, stating that over a hundred leaders and activists lost their lives during the July-August mass uprising. He also accused certain factions of orchestrating smear campaigns against JCD through social media to damage its reputation.

Rakib expressed his concern over the clashes at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet), urging a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victims. He alleged that JCD members were targeted by a covert group operating under the guise of the Anti-Defamation Student platform. “There is no place for mob culture or underground student politics on campuses,” Rakib declared, calling for a new form of student activism that contributes positively to national development. Despite recent tensions, he reaffirmed JCD’s commitment to student unity and progressive political engagement, aiming to reshape student politics for the betterment of the country.