BNP on Thursday welcomed the schedules for the long-awaited national election and the referendum on the Reform Charter, describing it as a ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

“BNP has never had any fear regarding elections. We have always said that elections are the only way to overcome the crisis. Now that the formal journey on this path has begun, we welcome the announced schedule,” party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB.

Giving his party’s initial reaction, the BNP leader said the schedule shows that Bangladesh has started its journey toward a desired democracy for which the people have risked their lives and struggled for more than a decade and a half.

“We are happy with the schedule announced by the Chief Election Commissioner… There may be minor inconsistencies, but we consider them insignificant. The important thing is that the announcement of the election and referendum schedule is undoubtedly a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political history,” he said.

“We also hope a new chapter will begin in Bangladesh’s politics through this announcement,” Fakhrul added.

He expressed hope that all pro-democracy parties would take part in the upcoming election and that voting would take place peacefully.

Fakhrul said it is now the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure that the election is free, fair, neutral, and credible.

The Election Commission on Thursday evening announced that the national election and the referendum will be held simultaneously on February 12 (Thursday) under a non-political government.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin unveiled the schedules in a pre-recorded speech aired on state-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar.

Talking to reporters in front of BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul later said, “This is undoubtedly a very happy day for us… The election must be held and the date has now been announced.”

“We expect the Commission to ensure a fully neutral, fair, free, and credible election. All political parties and candidates should participate responsibly and make this election a festival-like event,” he added.

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The BNP leader said elections had been made a farce over the past 15 years, undermining democracy. “Now, through this new election and the student-led mass movement, we have a chance to form a parliament that truly represents the people.”

Speaking about reforms, he said political parties have discussed them for nearly nine months. “We have agreed on many points, but some could not be finalised. These will now be decided through the referendum.”

Regarding candidate lists and seat-sharing with BNP’s alliance partners, Fakhrul said the party has not yet finalised its candidate list, though primary lists of contenders were earlier announced.

“Those who have fought with us in the simultaneous movement will be properly evaluated through discussions. I believe there will be no problem and all pro-democratic forces can participate together,” he said.

On the issue of certain points not being included in the referendum, Fakhrul said, “Some problems are inevitable, but if we all work together, we can overcome those.”