BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said there was no reason for anyone to be concerned about the upcoming election, as voters and political parties alike want stability and an orderly electoral process.
He made the comments while speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon after a courtesy meeting with the Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Organizing Secretary Shama Obaid were present at the meeting, along with Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.
When journalists asked whether there were any concerns about the election roadmap and the election itself, Khasru responded, saying: "No, there is nothing to be worried about. One thing you have to understand-- whenever elections have been held under a neutral government in Bangladesh, the environment has been peaceful.”
He added: “You have seen it in the past. Political parties want this stability the most. Voters also want stability. So, apart from the police and law enforcement agencies, the political scenario in Bangladesh is such that voters and political parties alike want the country to remain stable."
Speaking about reforms, Khasru said: "BNP has been the initiator of reforms in Bangladesh—not just now, but for a long time. All major reforms in the country have been initiated by the BNP. This time too, it is no different.”
He added: “From our Vision 2030 to the 27-point and 31-point reform agendas. All of these have been presented to the people. Forming a national government to implement these reforms is also part of the discussion. Right now, moving quickly toward the election is important for the country."
Asked whether election participation was discussed, he said: "Yes, naturally it was discussed. It came up that in the past three or four elections, people in Bangladesh couldn’t exercise their right to vote.”
He added: “Now, everyone is eagerly waiting to vote, especially the younger generation—those who are 30 or around 30 years old—they haven’t been able to cast their votes in a free election. Across the country, people are waiting eagerly to exercise their right to vote.”
He further said: “Therefore, we believe, and they believe too, that voter turnout in the next election will be very high. People of all ages, men and women alike, will enthusiastically go to the polling stations, and it will be a good election.”
Khasru also said: “A neutral, acceptable election will lead to the election of a government that will advance the country's democratic journey."
The former commerce minister also said that Australia will assist Bangladesh in its election. "Naturally, elections are an important issue, and this was discussed. Preparations for the election were discussed as well,” he said.
He added: “Australia is already providing significant assistance to the Election Commission. They have been doing so and will continue their support. They want a fair election to be held in Bangladesh, and their cooperation will continue in this regard."