"We need to have patience. This is an interim government, and it cannot achieve everything all at once."

— Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir BNP Secretary General

BNP leaders believe a vested quarter is intentionally trying to destabilise the country.

The party is deeply concerned over the current law and order situation in the capital and some other parts of the country.

In light of this, the BNP has decided to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to make its recommendations. It will urge the government to quickly announce an electoral roadmap, according to party leaders.

At a meeting on Monday night, the BNP standing committee, the party's highest policymaking body, thoroughly discussed these issues.

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Assaults on media houses deeply alarming

During the meeting, there was a heated discussion about the party's proposal to the Constitutional Reform Commission. After a few revisions, the proposal was passed.

Speaking at a programme in the capital, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said a group of "instigators" was trying to undermine press freedom in the country.

"No conscious or patriotic citizen should accept this in any way. I urge everyone to refrain from such self-destructive activities. Please support efforts to institutionalise democracy," he said.

The BNP believes that the government has failed to control the recent protests in the capital.

Party leaders said an electoral roadmap could have prevented the deterioration in law and order. They warned that delaying the announcement of the roadmap would only worsen the situation.

Wishing anonymity, a senior BNP leader said, "Despite concerns over conspiracies and potential violence, the government did not take strong measures, leading to a crisis."

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Freedom of press still under attack

A BNP standing committee member said targeting the offices of media outlets is unacceptable.

"While differences of opinion are natural, harassing media outlets in such a way is truly embarrassing."

He also pointed out that seeing things from only one perspective is risky, suggesting that a vested quarter was trying to portray Bangladesh as a "radical" nation.

"This is a dangerous game. The BNP believes in liberalism and we are really worried about it."

Fakhrul yesterday said a dreadful activity is going on -- attack on the press, attack on freedom of expression.

"We need to have patience. This is an interim government, and it cannot achieve everything all at once. We are not against reforms, but challenges like these cannot be addressed without elections."

He said that seeing the current situation in the country, many are feeling a little worried.

"You [people] must understand that our enemies, who have left the forefront, are now trying to destabilise the country from behind the scene. We need to remain extremely vigilant for this."

In another development, the BNP has decided to form grassroots committees, from union to district levels, within 90 days, party leaders said.

Organisational teams have been tasked with overseeing the formation of the committees.

The BNP has made the move to revitalise the party by picking dedicated leaders who are capable of leading the organisation effectively.