Staff Correspondent

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday expressed concern that centrist politics might face a crisis amid discussions on whether local or parliamentary elections should be held first.

"Those who are making such statements or being made to say them raise concerns about the future of centrist politics," he said.

He made these remarks while addressing a prayer gathering organised by BNP on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat at the party's Nayapaltan office on Friday.

"Dr Yunus is an internationally renowned figure who has also been persecuted by Sheikh Hasina. He will act justly, and under his leadership, the interim government will make the right decisions and foster democratic political forces," Rizvi said.

He added, "time and again, the people of this country have been deprived of their rights. The people will decide who will run the country and which politicians will come to power. The ongoing struggle is to restore these rights to the people."

The BNP leader stressed, "A free and fair election must be held where everyone can participate, and voters can go to the polling stations without fear to vote for their preferred candidates. Ensuring this will be a major responsibility of the interim government."

"BNP has always maintained that parliamentary elections are of national importance, as they determine which politicians will wield power. The source of power is the people. Returning that power to the people will strengthen democratic forces and facilitate other elections. This is the essence of depoliticisation," he said.

Rizvi warned, "Distrusting politicians means depoliticisation. Continuous efforts to depoliticise the country have shattered democracy, paving the way for fascism. Weakening political forces may lead to the rise of extremism. Extremism does not only stem from the left; it can emerge from the right as well. This must be kept in mind."

BNP leaders present at the event included Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Rangpur Division's Joint Organizing Secretary Prof Aminul Islam, and Joint Publicity Secretary Asadul Karim Shaheen.