BNP’s National Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has expressed his doubt over the prospect of his party’s next course of action.
According to this veteran politician, there was lack of seriousness on the part of party’s top leadership in announcing movement programs. At the same time, he said, party grassroots’ ability to wage a movement has been covered in a shroud of doubt.
The senior BNP leader made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Bangla Tribune on Apr 15.
On BNP grassroots’ demand of a stronger movement and the inaction of policymakers in this regard, Roy said, “When it comes to the party chief’s release, everyone is on the same page. Those who will announce the next agenda are doubtful about making those successful. At the same time, the demands from the grassroots are also logical.”
“However, when it comes to taking such decision, one must consider the overall realities and capabilities,” he said adding, “We have already suffered a lot with scores of party activists being attacks [by ruling party men] and sued. Many have been killed and subject to enforced disappearance.”
Reiterating BNP’s ideological belief on a multi-party democracy, Roy said, “Those who are in power cannot tolerate the very existence of other political party.”
“It’s no democracy without a multi party democracy,” he said.
When asked if the BNP MPs-elect will take oath, Roy termed the Dec 30 polls as no election at all.
“Everyone, irrespective of political beliefs, has said that people couldn’t exercise their voting rights. So, I can say this isn’t a disaster for BNP it’s rather a national disaster,” he said.
The BNP leader further said that the current government was not, in fact, elected.
“Therefore, they neither won, nor the BNP was defeated,” said Roy before adding given the reality, they have no decision to join the parliament.
In response to the query on incarcerated party chief Khaleda Zia’s release on parole, Roy said, “When law allows her to be freed on bail, why should she seek parole?”
Asked on BNP’ next council, he said the council will be in presence of and preside over by the party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.