Dhaka, July 12 (V7N) – BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Zainul Abdin Faruk has alleged that a series of conspiracies, including murders, are being orchestrated to derail the interim government's promise of holding national elections by December. He made the remarks at a press briefing held at the National Press Club on Saturday afternoon.

Faruk stated that the recent murder of businessman Lal Chand alias Sohag in front of Mitford Hospital appears to be politically exploited to create instability at a time when Chief Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has announced firm steps toward preparing for elections.

"Instead of yielding to conspiracies, we urge the Chief Advisor to remain committed to his declaration of completing election preparations by December," Faruk said.

The BNP leader pointed out that its affiliated bodies, Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal, have held press conferences and made their stance clear, demanding justice for the Mitford murder. He expressed dissatisfaction that no visible steps have been taken regarding the case filed against Harun and Biplob, named in Sohag’s murder FIR. "The public deserves to know where they are and why they haven't been arrested," he said.

Faruk contrasted BNP’s response to the killing with that of the ruling party in past incidents, saying, "When blogger Avijit Roy was murdered, no Awami League member was expelled. In contrast, Tarique Rahman acted swiftly and expelled the accused from BNP-affiliated organizations for life."

He warned that the murder and subsequent unrest appear timed to disrupt the upcoming London meeting between Tarique Rahman and the Chief Advisor, as well as the February election roadmap.

"We urge the interim government not to waver. Announce the election schedule and move forward with the process of forming a parliamentary government," Faruk concluded.

END/RH/AJ