BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has claimed that his party has never promoted the idea of holding elections first and only implementing all reforms later.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday afternoon at his residence in Kalibari, Thakurgaon, Fakhrul criticized social media, calling it a “factory of misinformation and false propaganda,” saying he does not follow it.
Regarding the BNP's stance on electoral reforms, he said: "The BNP has never said reforms should come only after elections. This is either social media misinformation targeting the BNP or a failure to understand our agenda.”
He added: “All the key reforms mentioned in our 31-point agenda remain unchanged. The BNP has always advocated for reforming the collapsed electoral system before holding elections.”
“During our movement against the previous government, we demanded elections under a six-month caretaker government. What the BNP proposed is now becoming a reality—so where is the problem?" the BNP leader asked.
He also dismissed recent Indian media reports, including threats of occupying Chittagong, as "the ravings of madmen."
He highlighted the global threat to democracy, saying: "With the rise of right-wing ideology and authoritarianism, democracy is facing challenges worldwide. The UN secretary general himself acknowledged this during his meeting with BNP leaders in Dhaka. “
He added: “Democracy allows for diverse opinions, and despite its flaws, it remains the best system of governance. Protecting democracy has now become a major challenge, and we must promote multi-party democracy and pluralism."
Fakhrul also addressed the deterioration of law and order, acknowledging that mass arrests and the lack of rule of law have led to a decline in police morale.
"Under Sheikh Hasina’s rule, police repression weakened the force’s ability to maintain law and order. We are receiving reports of lawlessness across the country."
He added that the BNP has taken disciplinary action, including dissolving certain committees and expelling members, against any party activists involved in wrongdoing.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the BNP submitted proposals to the interim government for necessary judicial and law enforcement reforms before the elections and is ready to make further recommendations if needed.