By Apurbo Ahmed Jewel: The BNP has long presented itself as the guardian of democracy. However, now that it is in power, its true character has become evident – it is not the promotion of democracy, but rather retaining political advantage and consolidating power that is its primary objective.
According to recent plans, the party is moving to appoint party administrators in Upazilas and municipalities instead of holding elections. This clearly demonstrates that the BNP supports democracy only when it is in the opposition; once in power, it disregards the people’s right to vote and election processes in order to secure its own control.
Such behavior represents a blatant hypocrisy. The rights of citizens in Union Parishads, wards, and other local elections are being entirely ignored. For the BNP, democracy means nothing more than a fear of losing power. Transparent, participatory, and elected administration holds no value in their eyes.
The BNP has shown that even behind the mask of democracy, its lust for power and self-interest will never be restrained. This approach poses a direct threat to citizens’ rights and the democratic stability of the country. By replacing elections with appointed administrators, they are sending a worrying signal, one that undermines the nation’s democratic processes.
Democracy is not merely about rhetoric or support while in opposition; it is about an effective, transparent, and participatory system. The BNP is ignoring this fundamental principle and is pushing the country back toward politically opportunistic governance.
