BNP calls for maintaining good relations between the defense forces and the interim government

Staff Reporter | PNN:
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that his party will make every effort to maintain a harmonious relationship between the defense forces and the interim government, urging Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus not to disrupt this delicate balance.

He said,

“We do not want any imbalance among the defense forces. If that happens, we will not be able to manage it. At this moment, such a situation would be unacceptable.”

Salahuddin Ahmed made these remarks on Wednesday night (October 15) during a meeting of the National Consensus Commission held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

He further said,

“There must be a balance within the state, and no risks should be taken before the election. We cannot afford to fall into any kind of crisis; therefore, all our actions must be based on practical realities.”

Issuing a warning, he added,

“The fallen autocrats and their allies will wait to exploit any opportunity. So, we don’t need to be revolutionary—we must act with pragmatism.”

Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that BNP’s support for Professor Yunus is conditional:

“Our support for you will continue, but it is conditional. We want a historic election under your leadership—our support depends on that. It is not unconditional or limitless. We are supporting you for a democratic transition—please understand that.”

Expressing dissatisfaction over recent government appointments and transfers, he said,

“The way promotions and transfers are being made in the Secretariat today has no rules or precedents. What they are doing is creating a sort of monarchy. We are not happy about it.”

He also mentioned that after the National Charter is signed and published by the government, the public should have the right to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ through a referendum.

Additionally, Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated BNP’s stance on establishing a second chamber or upper house of parliament, while noting that there are differences of opinion regarding its appointment, nomination, and election process.

Sharing his views on the timing of the referendum and general election, he said,

“If the referendum is held on the same day as the election, it will be more convenient for us because it would avoid the expense of separate arrangements.”

However, he also cautioned that the preparations for the referendum could be seen as an attempt to delay the election.

Drawing the Chief Adviser’s attention, he said,

“We believe that those who are trying to hold the referendum first have the right to do so, but everyone should consider how logical that decision really is.”

From this discussion, it is clear that while the BNP is prepared to participate in the upcoming election, the party has set several conditions aimed at ensuring transparency in the electoral process and a genuine democratic transition.