Tens of thousands of activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) gathered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Friday to demand a new election and swift reforms in the country. The rally, organized by the BNP led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, aimed to push the interim government, headed by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, to implement reforms and schedule the next national election.
The political landscape in Bangladesh has been tumultuous since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country in August. Hasina and Zia, the main political rivals in the country, operate within a dynastic political framework. Zia, who is ailing, was unable to lead the rally in person, with her elder son, Tarique Rahman, representing the party in her absence.
During the rally, BNP activists marched through the streets of Dhaka, culminating their demonstration at the national parliament building to symbolize their readiness to form the next government. The Yunus-led interim government has not yet announced a timeline for the upcoming election, prompting the BNP to urge for a prompt electoral process.
Rahman, speaking via videoconference from London, emphasized the importance of the interim government's success in maintaining order in the country. He urged the government to address the public's expectations and implement necessary reforms. The BNP has hinted at potential street protests in the coming months if the government fails to outline a clear roadmap for the election.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Hasina is facing charges of crimes against humanity related to the July-August uprising in the country. The government has expressed its intention to seek her repatriation from India pending a court decision.
