BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the chief adviser’s remarks regarding the national election between December and June lack clarity.
"BNP desires elections within the current year in the interest of the nation," he said while speaking to journalists after paying tribute at the grave of BNP’s founder, Ziaur Rahman, in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on the occasion of Independence and National Day at 10am on Wednesday.
Fakhrul emphasized that minimal reforms should be undertaken to facilitate an immediate election, as the absence of a democratic government has deprived the people in various ways.
Hence, the demand for elections aligns with the people’s expectations.
The chief adviser’s statement regarding the elections yesterday was not explicit, he added.
He further expressed disappointment, saying: "I was disheartened by the chief adviser’s remarks yesterday (Tuesday), as he did not provide a clear roadmap for the elections. Moreover, I was further dismayed that his speech did not mention the name of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, even once. Yet, this remains an undeniable part of history. The nation will forever remember Ziaur Rahman’s contribution to achieving independence."
The BNP secretary general noted that despite 55 years of independence, a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh has yet to be established.
Therefore, he urged all to play a united role in building the nation.
He asserted that without a clear roadmap and prompt elections, the ongoing crises will remain unresolved.
Fakhrul said that BNP’s demand for elections is not driven by its aspiration for power but by national interest and the need to safeguard independence and sovereignty.
We advocate for elections to ensure a truly representative parliament and government, he remarked.
He further said: "We hope the interim government will swiftly undertake the necessary minimal reforms required for elections and announce the election schedule accordingly."
Concluding his statement, Fakhrul cautioned against historical distortions, alleging that the Awami League has previously altered historical narratives.
"We do not want history to be misrepresented once again. By revealing the true facts and fulfilling the people’s aspirations for a democratic government, the sooner we return to democratic governance, the sooner our national crises will be resolved", he affirmed.
