<div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday voiced frustration that Chief Adviser Dr Mohammad Yunus' address to the nation lacked a roadmap for transition to democracy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Speaking at a discussion, he hoped that the interim government will soon engage in talks with political parties to make a decision on the national election and state reforms.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“We’re still in a state of confusion as things remain unclear.&nbsp; We had anticipated that the Chief Adviser would present a roadmap. But we didn’t find that roadmap for moving to democracy in his speech,” the BNP leader said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He said the Chief Adviser, in his speech, indicated some reforms, but these cannot be implemented in a short timeframe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, Fakhrul expressed optimism, noting that they believe the situation is moving in a positive direction for the benefit of the people.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fakhrul said Dr Yunus correctly stated that the timing of the election is a matter of political decision. “It will surely be determined by a political decision. But, for this decision to be made, the government needs to engage in discussions with political parties and politicians.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He expressed hope that the Chief Adviser will soon begin talks with the political parties in this regard.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A faction of Jatiya Party (Zafar) arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 9th death anniversary of its founder Kazi Zafar Ahmed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Earlier on Sunday evening, Interim government’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation and assured that a free, fair, and participatory election would be arranged after completing necessary reforms in the administration, judiciary, election commission and electoral system.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He, however, said the timing of the election is a political decision, and it is up to the people to determine how long the interim government will remain in power.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>