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Published : 05 Mar 2025, 09:36 PM
BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the legal proceedings against “fascist” Sheikh Hasina have no connection with the general elections.
Speaking to journalists after a seminar at a Banani hotel on Wednesday afternoon, he said the trials and government change were separate matters.
Since the Aug 5 power transition, over a hundred cases have been filed against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of “murder”, “genocide”, and “crimes against humanity”.
The International Crimes Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant against her.
The interim government has sent a letter to India requesting her return, but no response has been received yet.
On Tuesday, Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of the northern region for the newly formed National Citizen Party, or NCP, said: “Until we see the ‘murderer’ Hasina on the gallows, no one should even mention elections in Bangladesh.”
Asked about this, Amir Khosru said: “Who in Bangladesh does not want Sheikh Hasina to be tried? Legal proceedings are an independent process that will continue.”
"If we believe in the rule of law, trials will take place as per legal procedures—before, during, and after any election. There are multiple cases against her, and each will be resolved through the judiciary.”
However, he emphasised: “These trials have nothing to do with a change in government or elections.”
"Today, it's one reason for no elections, tomorrow another—how many such excuses will we hear?" he remarked.
“Democratic processes cannot be stalled by such statements. There is no scope to push back the elections with such rhetoric,” he added.
Referring to the alleged oppression, suppression, and loss of lives under Hasina’s 16-year rule, Khosru claimed that 160 million people fought to remove her “authoritarian regime” for democracy, freedom of expression, and political rights.
"Any party can participate in elections. There’s no problem with that. But opinions should be inclusive. Our 31-point reform proposal cannot be implemented overnight—we must take it to the people first.”
The BNP leader stressed, “A mandate must be secured first. Then, any issue can be debated in parliament and passed accordingly. Decisions must be based on consensus.”
"But if someone insists—this must happen, that must happen—it reminds us of Sheikh Hasina’s ‘authoritarianism’," he added.
