Dhaka: Differences emerge after Bangladesh interim government formed
2024-08-10 16:18:54
With the formation of the interim government in Bangladesh, differences have emerged between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the student leadership leading the movement to remove Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to an ET report, BNP’s acting president Tariq Rahman and the student leadership are at odds over the upcoming general elections.
Rahman reportedly wants to hold early elections in Bangladesh, hoping to capitalize on recent surges in pro-BNP and pro-Jamaat sentiment. However, the students maintain that they need more time to establish a political structure before contesting elections.
Student leadership demands delay
The student leaders, who currently lack a formal political structure, argue that they need more time to form a political party before participating in elections. In a video message released two days after Hasina resigned and fled to India, Rahman called for immediate elections and the handover of power to elected representatives.
Rahman emphasizes protecting minorities
Rahman also addressed concerns about protecting minorities, claiming that there are conspiracies to undermine Bangladesh’s achievements. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of people regardless of their religion, caste, or identity.
Additional information:
In October 2018, Tarique Rahman was sentenced to life imprisonment for his alleged role in the 2004 Sheikh Hasina assassination plot.
In August 2023, a court sentenced Rahman to nine years in prison and his wife to three years for amassing wealth disproportionate to their income.