BNP Chairperson’s advisory council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Sunday urged the interim government not to go for unnecessary reforms that could delay the national election.

Speaking at a sit-in protest in front of the Jatiya Press Club, he also called on the public to remain vigilant, claiming that deposed autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina is conspiring from India to block the path of putting in place a democratic government in Bangladesh.

“Carry out reforms; we have no objection to that. But do not undertake reforms that could delay the elections. There is no need for reforms by this government that elected representatives can do,” the BNP leader said.

He urged the government not to unnecessarily delay the election, as various conspirators are actively working to create chaos in the country.

“If you delay the polls, the conspiracy will intensify, and the conspirators will take to the streets. India is conspiring once again, having given shelter to Sheikh Hasina. From there, they are plotting to prevent a truly democratic government from coming to power in Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said.

The programme was organised by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Nobin Dal central committee, demanding the withdrawal of all cases against Tarique Rahman and leaders and activists of other democratic parties.

Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, said their party has no complaints against Dr Muhammad Yunus, who assumed the role of head of the interim government to restore order in the country following the fall of the autocratic Awami League government through a student-led mass uprising.

"However, the people of Bangladesh are increasingly saying that, after nearly four months, Tarique Rahman has still not been able to return home, and all the cases against him have not yet been withdrawn," he said.

The BNP leader also said the ghosts of the Awami League still hold key positions in the administration, and they are conspiring against the government.

“To put an end to this conspiracy, an election must be held promptly, allowing the people to elect their representatives,” he said.

Farroque also called upon the government to withdraw all cases filed against BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, leaders and activists of BNP and other democratic parties.

“We must all remain vigilant, keeping our eyes and ears open, as Sheikh Hasina’s conspiracy has already begun from India. She must be brought back and put on trial,” he said.