BNP leader Selima Rahman says Bangladesh Interim Government cannot remain in power for five years
Senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Selima Rahman has said the interim government cannot remain in power for five years, urging the Muhammad Yunus-led administration to keep the promise to hold the national polls in December.
BNP Standing Committee Member Selima Rahman was quoted as saying The Daily Star, "We want fair elections. The home affairs adviser has said the country wants this government to stay for five years. But we know what the people really want."
"This is an interim government, and it is not meant to take on long-term responsibilities," she said.
She made the remark following Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury's recent statement in Sunammganj where he claimed people want the interim regime to remain in power for five more years.
"That is why BNP has never craved power. Despite oppression and persecution, not a single activist has fled. The people still have confidence in us," Selima Rahman said.
'BNP Does Not Fear Election'
Selima said her party, which had ruled Bangladesh in the past, does not fear elections.
She told the newspaper: "Even in opposition, we have never been afraid. Our goal is to restore people's fundamental rights, and the first step is to hold an election."
The BNP has been Yunus' government's biggest political alliance partner by giving it support during the July-August uprising that led to the fall of former PM Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5, 2024.
Bangladesh Witnessed Political Change Last Year
The July uprising in Bangladesh saw thousands of students participate in the anti-job quota movement last year, which later spiralled into a massive violent demonstration against the former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government that had served the country for the longest period since the nation was formed in 1971.
Hasina fled to neighbouring India on August 5, 2025, leading to the fall of her government just months after she returned to power for another term following a massive win in the general polls, which was boycotted by the country's main opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Sheikh Hasina Promises To Return To Bangladesh
Hasina, who is currently in India, has assured her Awami League party members that she will return to her country and investigate the allegations of attacks and torture on her party members.
Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has been seeking her extradition from India.
Hasina, facing violent protests against her regime over a job quota issue, fled to India on August 5, 2024, ending her newly elected term midway.
Hasina has addressed her party workers virtually on several occasions since then.
During the video conference recently, Hasina was quoted as saying by Mint: "That is why Allah has kept me alive. Don't worry. I am coming.”
The online event was reportedly attended by All European Awami League President Mohammad Nazrul Islam.
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