DHAKA, July 05 (V7N) – Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the Senior Joint Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), today strongly criticized Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing them of attempting to "fish in troubled waters" by questioning the electoral atmosphere under the interim government.

Speaking at a football tournament inauguration at the Dhanmondi Sports Club ground, part of BNP's month-long program marking the first anniversary of the July mass uprising, Rizvi pointed out Jamaat's historical participation in the 1986 election held under an autocratic regime.

"Some people are now trying to fish in troubled waters and saying there is no proper environment for the election," Rizvi stated, adding, "You're questioning the election atmosphere, but we know your history. You had no hesitation in joining an election under an autocrat, following Sheikh Hasina’s footsteps." The 1986 parliamentary election, held under the military rule of Hussain Muhammad Ershad, saw Jamaat-e-Islami win 10 seats, while the Bangladesh Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, also participated and won 76 seats. The BNP, however, boycotted that election.

Rizvi's comments come a day after Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman stated in a rally in Rangpur that "a neutral election is not possible in Bangladesh under the current circumstances. We must first create an environment for credible elections, and that requires fundamental reforms."

Responding directly to Rahman's remarks, Rizvi sarcastically remarked, "Suddenly, you have become an 'environmentalist'! If you are so concerned about the environment, then work on the global environmental decline we are all witnessing."

The BNP leader reiterated his party's stance that an elected parliament with public representatives accountable to the people is essential for political progress. He stressed that the country now needs an elected government to restore people’s rightful political, democratic, and human rights.

"That is why we are calling upon the interim government to arrange a free and fair election by completing the necessary reforms within a very reasonable timeframe," Rizvi concluded, signaling BNP's desire for timely elections under the interim administration. The BNP sees the upcoming elections as a crucial opportunity to restore democracy in the country.

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