Some Fringe Parties Oppose Elections Out of Fear of Defeat: Dudu

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said that those who are certain to face a crushing defeat in an election are the very ones who do not want the election to take place.

He made this remark on Sunday (17 August) at a discussion meeting organised by the Jonotar Odhikar Party at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club.

Dudu stated, “There are some fringe parties who know full well they have no chance if they contest an election. They are afraid of total defeat, which is why they do not want elections. They have taken control of a few ministries and treat them as their personal property.”

He added that the country is in dire need of a government that is accountable to the people, and for that, a fair election is essential. Referring to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, he said, “Our leader Begum Khaleda Zia has returned from the brink of death. Even then, Hasina did not allow her to receive proper medical treatment. She was imprisoned for six years in a false case.”

The BNP leader alleged, “Bangladesh has just come out from the grip of autocracy. In order to give this freedom a firm foundation, we must ensure free and fair elections and establish an accountable government. This has not existed in the last 16 years, and it still doesn’t. However, the government has declared that it is committed to holding elections in February 2026. We have welcomed and thanked them for this.”

The former Chhatra Dal president continued, “We’ve said we support this government in this regard, as have other parties. However, there are some fringe parties who are unlawfully controlling a few ministries and treating them as their own assets. We know that if elections are held, they stand no chance — they will face a debacle. That’s why they don’t want elections. Whether a party wants elections or not is not the main issue — what must not be forgotten is that the students and the people of this country once risked and sacrificed their lives to bring down autocracy.”

Highlighting the significance of the month of August, Dudu said, “In this month of August, we must take an oath that our movement will continue until an elected government is established. This movement will not end. An accountable government is bound by promises to the people. It must listen to them. It gains acceptance both at home and abroad. It abides by the rule of law. It earns global support. If we are to establish a people-oriented political system in future, we must first establish an elected government.”

Also speaking at the same event, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal said, “If a specific framework is created for the upcoming national parliamentary election, then those elected under it will not be able to establish fascism again. All political parties urge others to reform but fail to reform themselves. Real political coexistence will only be possible if parties first reform themselves.”

He further called on all political parties to unite and work together to ensure that no one in the country can become a dictator again.

Others present at the event included Farooq Rahman, Chairman of BNP’s Labour Party; Kazi Abul Khayer, General Secretary of the Muslim League; Qari Abu Taher; Rashed Prodhan, Vice President of the National Democratic Party; and K M Rakibul Islam Ripon, President of the Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolon.