BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed delivered a stern message to the interim government, declaring that its sole responsibility is to organize and oversee a fair general election. Speaking at a rally at the Circuit House grounds in Khulna on Saturday (May 17), Salahuddin emphasized that the people’s expectations from the interim government are clear and time-bound.
“Your only mandate is to hold a general election,” Salahuddin said, directly addressing the Chief Adviser. “This interim government was formed after a popular uprising—not to stay in power indefinitely. Don’t think we will accept your presence here until the Day of Judgment.”
He also criticized the inclusion of what he described as “NCP-branded advisors” in the government, referring to alleged affiliations with the Nationalist Democratic Party (NCP). “If you want to maintain neutrality, ask the two NCP-branded individuals to resign. If they don’t, then remove them,” he demanded.
Salahuddin alleged that the advisory council not only includes allies of the former ruling party but now also includes individuals aligned with foreign interests.
He particularly objected to the appointment of a foreign national as the National Security Advisor. “Do you not have the common sense to understand that the army of this country cannot be expected to report to a foreign national? He is pushing an agenda to turn Bangladesh into a conflict zone under the pretext of the Rohingya or humanitarian corridor. Remove him immediately,” he urged.
The BNP leader went further, accusing the current administration of overstepping its bounds. “Ports, corridors—everything now falls under the jurisdiction of what people are calling the ‘Yunus government.’ What contracts have you signed abroad? What right do you have? What mandate do you possess?” he questioned.
He reiterated that the interim government must focus solely on holding free, fair, and impartial elections. “We have repeatedly said that urgent reforms for the election must be implemented immediately. The national elections must be held by December. You gave us your word, and then you backed down,” Salahuddin concluded.
