The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday demanded the immediate dismissal of National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and other interim government advisers alleged to be affiliated with newly formed political groups or aligned with “fascist forces.” The demand came during an emergency press briefing following a BNP Standing Committee meeting at Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office.
Standing Committee Member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, speaking on behalf of the party, stated that Khalilur Rahman’s recent public remarks had sparked further controversy and cast doubt on the neutrality of the interim government. “The presence of politically affiliated advisers continues to question the impartial identity of the government,” Mosharraf said, calling their removal essential to restore credibility.
The BNP leader also voiced strong objections to the interim administration making critical decisions on national matters such as the proposed humanitarian corridor into Myanmar’s Rakhine State and foreign operations at Chattogram Port. “These are issues that fall beyond the jurisdiction of an unelected government. Only an elected political leadership should handle them,” he said.
Reaffirming that the interim government’s core mandate is to hold a national election, BNP urged for an immediate declaration of a roadmap to ensure free, fair, and inclusive parliamentary polls by December 2025. Mosharraf emphasized, “This should be the government’s highest priority. The people want a political transition that reflects the aspirations of the July mass uprising.”
He also criticized the current advisory council for being overly large and called for a downsized, neutral body focused solely on transitional governance. Raising doubts about the government’s impartiality, he warned that the BNP’s cooperation may not continue if political bias persists.
Addressing the recent blockade of the Election Commission (EC) office by members of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), Mosharraf labeled the action as “embarrassing and suspicious.” He expressed concern that it could derail the consensus-building effort around electoral reform.
The BNP leader also called out the chief advisor’s press secretary for an earlier statement that suggested the interim government had a broad mandate to govern, saying such comments further blur the line between transitional stewardship and policymaking overreach.
In conclusion, Mosharraf demanded that all decisions regarding long-term national interests be deferred to an elected government. He urged the current administration to safeguard public confidence by focusing solely on its constitutional responsibility—organizing credible national elections.
