BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has warned that the country could face a dangerous political situation if the national elections are not held by February next year.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion programme on“Let power not be above religion, ethics, values, and patriotism”, organised at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity on the occasion of the fourth founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Citizens’ Council on Friday.

Dudu alleged that anti-state forces, along with a powerful foreign group, are conspiring, with Sheikh Hasina allegedly providing autocratic shelter to these efforts.

He said, “Bangladesh was supposed to go to elections within three months, but it did not happen. The government has promised elections in February, and we hope it will take place by then. Otherwise, anti-Bangladesh conspiracies, aided by a dangerous neighboring power, will continue, where autocrat Sheikh Hasina is taking refuge.”

Criticizing India’s role, Dudu said, “India has never supported democracy or independence in Bangladesh. It has always used Bangladesh to protect its own interests. India portrays that minorities are being persecuted in Bangladesh, which is completely false. Many Hindu citizens themselves have held press conferences denying these claims. We must remain vigilant about India.”

The former Chhatra Dal president emphasized that statements alone from the Chief Adviser regarding India are not enough; effective action is required. He urged students, youth, farmers, workers, professionals, and political parties to unite.

Dudu stressed that while BNP, Jamaat, and other political parties will voice their own positions, unity is essential on one issue: the establishment of a democratically elected government through people’s votes. He noted that citizens have been denied their voting rights in three elections, and elections have been mocked in the name of voting, making it crucial that the upcoming polls are free, fair, and credible.

He added that the current government has no real political strength; its apparent power relies on a few parties supporting it for their own interests. BNP’s focus, he said, is to unite and preserve democratic forces.

The event was presided over by VP Mainul Islam Talukdar (Badal), Acting President of the Bangladesh Nationalist Citizens’ Council.

Speakers included BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and Freedom Fighter Abdus Salam, Senior Joint Convener of Thanti Party Dr. Kazi Moniruzzaman (Monir), President of the Save the Country, Save the People Movement K.M. Rokibul Islam Ripon, Thanti Party Joint Convener Advocate Md. Mojibur Rahman Toton, and General Secretary of the Council Lion Md. Sulaiman, among others.