BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said April is not a favourable time for the national election and hoped that the interim government will take the matter into account based on realities.
“We have not taken any party decision on this issue (election in early April) yet. We hope that the government will consider this issue in light of reality,” he said while talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.
He said the time set by the interim government for the national election is not right.
“We said on the first day that the time is not good for the election. The month of Ramadan will end, Eid will be over and then the election will be held a few days later. Just think about the conditions that candidates and political workers will have to endure throughout Ramadan,” the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul said he is worried from now that he will have to arrange an Iftar party every day, which will contribute to making the election expenses double.
He also highlighted the difficulties of running an election campaign during Ramadan, especially considering the extreme heat and the potential for rain and storms.
Fakhrul finds December suitable for election, not April
Besides, he said, it would be impossible to gather people for election rallies due to the severe heat. “Programmes will have to be held at night.”
He also mentioned that all the national elections in Bangladesh, except two problematic ones, were held either in December or January.
“Our party has said that the election is possible by December, and we firmly believe this is a viable option,” Fakhrul said
In response to a question, he said BNP is prepared for elections at any time, as it is an election-oriented party. “We’ve already said—if you can hold the election tomorrow, we’re ready tomorrow."
"BNP is a party of elections. BNP is always ready for elections. “We are not a revolutionary party. We want to go to power through elections, with the people’s votes,” the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul refuted the misconception that BNP does not reform, describing it as "false propaganda."
He recalled that it was the BNP which first advocated for the Vision-2030 agenda and later presented a 31-point outline for reforms well before the mass uprising.
The BNP leader urged all, including political parties, organisations, and social media activists, to refrain from dividing the nation.
“The nation is united on one point: we want democracy restored, and we want the country to be governed by a democratic system. We also want to cast our votes, elect our representatives, and see reforms. So, do not create unnecessary divisions,” he said.
Fakhrul warned that any division within the nation would provide an opportunity for external forces and conspirators to harm the country.
“I believe that during this transitional period for democracy, it is essential for all of us to act responsibly. We must choose our words carefully. Everything we say should contribute to overcoming the current challenges, not disrupt or undermine the transition process,” he said.
The BNP leader said their party always advocated for national unity during their movement against the Awami League’s autocratic rule. “We are still emphasising that national unity is the most crucial requirement for moving the country forward.”
He said the interim government may lack political experience, but not sincerity, as it is operating amid pressure and emerging political challenges.
Fakhrul said rebuilding institutions after 15 years of the Awami League’s “destructive rule” poses a major national challenge and will require time.
In response to a question on whether the interim government should transform into a caretaker government before the election, he replied, “I have said before, there should be a caretaker government to ensure free and impartial elections…The elections should be conducted under a caretaker government.”
Fakhrul said his party wants the election to be held promptly, based on experience, as an elected government is essential for the proper functioning of the country and its economy.
“Some time ago, a number of investors and major businessmen visited my residence to express their concerns. What are those concerns? They are not getting any direction… They are unsure of what steps to take, and the banks are not cooperating as expected. These matters are quite alarming…The root cause is the absence of an elected government. Foreigners are saying that without an elected government, they will not invest… these are the realities,” he observed.
When asked whether the BNP would share seats with its political allies, Fakhrul said, “This is not unusual…This is entirely normal in parliamentary politics and it should happen. We have already committed to forming a national government after the elections.”
Regarding discussions in the political arena about the BNP potentially sharing seats with Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) based on mutual understanding, he said he had no knowledge of such talks. “As the Secretary General of the party, I am not aware of any such discussions… In parliamentary democracy, there is no final word in politics.”
When questioned about the possibility of an understanding with the Awami League, Fakhrul said there is currently no political activity by the deposed party.
He said BNP did not oppose the ban on political activities of the Awami League. “We have said it was all right. However, our party believes that democracy should be allowed to function as democracy.”
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