BNP on Sunday said it wants the election to the 13th Parliament to be free, fair and peaceful so that people can exercise their voting rights without fear.

“We hope that this time people will be able to vote freely and elect their preferred candidates. Through their votes, a government will be formed that will work for the welfare of the people,” said BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said.

Nazrul, also the Chairman of the party’s Central Election Steering Committee made the remarks while briefing reporters after the committee’s meeting at the BNP election office in Gulshan.

He said people in Bangladesh have been deprived of their voting rights for many years and were unable to elect candidates of their choice.

“So, our goal is to ensure that this election is free and fair, that it is peaceful, and that the people can truly express their views through it. Under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman, our party is working towards that goal,” the BNP leader said.

Tarique Rahman voices concern over rising mob violence: Saiful Haque

He said the Central Election Steering Committee will work with that goal and sought full cooperation from the media.

The BNP leader said Tarique, after returning to the country after 17 years, spoke repeatedly about peace and reconciliation in his address at a large public reception.

“That is why we are expecting a peaceful election. BNP will play whatever role is needed to ensure a peaceful election, and the election steering committee will work with that commitment,” he said.

Nazrul said BNP has always demanded free and fair elections and hoped journalists will continue to convey the party’s message to the people, as they did during past movements.

“For a long time, many of you wanted to speak but could not express everything freely. Now the situation is different. We hope you will use your experience to help fulfil the people’s aspirations,” he added.

On January 2, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman formed a 41-member Central Election Steering Committee, appointing Nazrul Islam Khan as its chairman and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as member secretary. Sunday’s meeting was the committee’s first.

‘We want to remain open’

Nazrul said BNP wants to remain transparent in both words and actions.

“We do not want to hide anything. We believe that if people understand everything clearly and still find us suitable, they will support us,” he said.

Responsible, independent media vital for accountable government: Saleh Shibly

Nazrul said if BNP wins with public support, it will be able to govern with confidence and without resorting to any hidden tactics.

“Our leaders and activists have never adopted any strategy that required hiding their identity or dignity, and they will not do so in the future either,” he said.

On nomination paper rejection

Replying to a question, Nazrul said if nomination papers are cancelled on lawful grounds, there is no reason to blame anyone.

“Nomination papers of BNP candidates have also been cancelled in some cases. Where there is scope and time to raise objections, candidates will certainly do so, and decisions may change accordingly,” he said.

The BNP said in the past many political parties did not take part in elections, yet those polls were described as participatory, though he did not want to make such a claim.

 He explained that some parties currently face public anger and that, under existing laws, the political activities of certain parties are restricted or banned, leaving them with no legal scope to participate in the election.

Call for government action

Responding to a question about allegations that a particular party is collecting voters’ ID cards by visiting homes, Nazrul said campaigning door to door is not wrong, but collecting voter ID cards or national identity cards is a matter of concern.

Bangladesh can advance by following Khaleda Zia’s ideals: Rizvi

“These are highly sensitive and personal documents. If such documents are being collected, there could be bad intentions behind it,” he said.

The BNP urged the media to report such incidents if they have reliable information and called upon the government to take necessary action.

Nazrul expressed hope that the government will act responsibly to protect citizens’ personal information.