The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday (February 2) termed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy’s statement on the 12th parliamentary election unexpected.
On Wednesday, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy said the BNP’s allegation regarding the role of Russia in forming the new government of the Awami League was “misleading or false.”
A statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, in this regard was published today.
BNP thinks it has hurt the democratic sentiment of the people of Bangladesh, according to statement.
In the statement, BNP called upon Russia to show due respect to the aspirations and democratic values of the people of Bangladesh.
“We have noticed that Russian Ambassador Alexander Mantytskiy described BNP’s statement on Russia’s role in the 12th parliamentary election as false and misleading. He also claimed that the people of Bangladesh elected the government as 41.8% of people cast their votes in the election and most of them voted for the Awami League,” the statement read.
Protesting the remarks of the Russian envoy, the party said, “We would like to say envoy’s statement is unacceptable, and pro-Awami statement has hurt the democratic sentiment of the people of Bangladesh.”
It said all Bangladesh citizens who are not involved in the politics of the Awami League have lost their rights and freedom, and become subjugated in their own country.
“People from all walks of life have been subjected to discrimination, injustice, and oppression due to the corruption, misrule, and criminal activities perpetrated by the anti-people Awami League regime over the last 15 years.”
The statement said the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh and the democratic world are identical. “That common goal is to ensure democracy, good governance, human rights, and prosperity in Bangladesh through an elected and accountable government.”
The party said the freedom-loving people of Bangladesh expect that Russia, India, China, or any other country will not unduly support the misrule of the anti-mass and fascist Sheikh Hasina government by standing against the strong will of the people.
Recalling the long-standing cordial relations between Bangladesh and Russia, the statement said, "The BNP believes that long-term diplomatic success lies in building bridges of friendship between the peoples of the two countries. That is why the BNP urges Russia to show proper respect to the aspirations and interests of the people of Bangladesh, including their democratic values, determination for independence and great sacrifices.”
BDST: 1832 HRS, FEB 02, 2024
MSK
