The BNP is set to hold a formal meeting with the Election Commission (EC) this (Sunday) afternoon to discuss various issues, including preparations for the next national election. A three-member delegation, led by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, will go to the Agargaon Election Building at 3:30 pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The other delegation members are party Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Selima Rahman. Speaking to the media, Salahuddin Ahmed said the meeting would focus on exchanging views with the EC on several issues related to the upcoming election. He said the primary agenda for the meeting would be to discuss the current status of preparations for the national election, including the progress of the voter list and other electoral activities. Salahuddin said they would also discuss electoral law reforms and other issues the party considers necessary. “We also have some proposals from the party regarding the election, which we will present to the commission during the meeting,” he said. Will quit after election following basic reforms: Asif Nazrul This will be the BNP’s first official meeting with the newly formed Election Commission, which was established on November 21 under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasiruddin. The BNP is aiming for the national election to take place in the middle of this year. On Saturday, the party announced plans to hold 64 public rallies across the country to generate public support for the swift announcement of an election roadmap. The meeting with the Election Commission is part of the party’s broader efforts to pressure for holding the election promptly. Election schedule depends on July Charter: CA’s Press Secretary Following the meeting with the EC, a BNP delegation is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday to discuss the country’s current situation and various election-related issues and reforms.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan has expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s relations with the United States will remain unaffected under Donald Trump's presidency. “We believe that the two governments in these democratic countries are democratically supported. So, we do not anticipate any significant changes in the relationship between the two governments and the countries,” he told reporters after a meeting with a delegation of Khelafat Majlis at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Wednesday. Election after minimum reforms, not seeking it now: Fakhrul A nine-member delegation of Khelafat Majlis, led by its Ameer Maulana Abdul Basit Azad, had over an hour long meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Nazrul Islam Khan.  In response to a question about the potential impact on US-Bangladesh relations following Donald Trump's inauguration as President, Nazrul said individual leaders do not have much influence over state policy making. "But America is a country where the president holds significant power and influence. Even after that, we do not think the change in presidency will have much impact on Bangladesh’s relationship with the United States," he said. Tarique stresses BNP’s reorganisation to rebuild nation Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, also said the change in power not only took place in the United States but also occurred in Bangladesh. "Just as the change happened here with the support of the people, the shift in state power there (USA) also took place through the people's votes," he observed. Donald Trump returned to power as the 47th President of the United States, having been sworn in on Monday. In his inaugural address, Trump declared, "The golden age of America begins right now."

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan said on Friday said they were hurt by the comments of the Jamaat-e-Islami chief, who claimed that the army and his party are the only tested patriotic forces in Bangladesh. Speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after a meeting with a delegation of Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, he, however, expressed the hope that Jamaat would join the movement for the restoration of democracy alongside other democratic parties in the future. “We have no such distance with Jamaat. They (Jamaat) also want democracy and elections, and they speak of human rights, as we do,” the BNP leader said. He said, "But if anyone claims that they alone are patriots, naturally, we will feel hurt. We will say, brother, that is not true. We all are patriots." Tarique thanks Qatar Emir for support in transporting Khaleda to London The BNP leader hoped that no politician would make such remarks in the future. Asked whether BNP would hold any meeting with Jamaat, he said their party was not formally engaged in a simultaneous movement with Jamaat. While Jamaat was also part of the movement against the Awami League government, like BNP and other parties, their programmes were not the same, he said. “We hope that in the coming days, we all will be three in the movement to restore democracy, and they (Jamaat) will also join the movement,” Nazrul said. In response to another question, he said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been receiving proper care at the London Clinic. Khaleda admitted to The London Clinic for medical care “By the grace of Allah, her treatment is progressing well. We urge the people of the country to pray for her swift recovery so that she can return to us after the treatment,” the BNP leader said. Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote chief and National People's Party (NPP) Chairman Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad also spoke, urging the interim government to arrange elections after promptly completing the necessary reforms.

Expressing his annoyance at the criticism of political parties by the interim government, Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Thursday said that the advisers of the current administration were not even worthy of being considered as opponents to the politicians. "Why should they (advisers) criticise established political parties and make comments about them? Do they regard the political parties as their opponents? We do not consider them as our opponents, as they are not worthy of being our opponents. We engage in politics, but they do not. So, why should they be our opponents?" he told a discussion. The Rajshahi University Nationalist Ex-Student Association (RUNESA) organised the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), commemorating the bloody incident that took place on Rajshahi University campus on December 22, 1984. Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said the current government was not usurped power, as it was established by the people of the country and the political parties that waged a movement against the Sheikh Hasina regime. “We expect that they’ll try to resolve the problems people are facing in their daily lives, put on trial those involved in various crimes, including killings and enforced disappearances, and arrange for an election after creating the necessary conditions for the restoration of democracy, for which we have long been struggling,” he said. The BNP leader lamented that some advisers of the interim government are unnecessarily speaking against political parties. “We will participate in the election. Whether they will join the election to stand against us. They won’t do that. So, why should they make such comments?” he said. He also slammed Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan for her remark that politicians had done nothing for the country over the past 53 years. Read: Interim govt weakest in history, election needed by 2025: BNP leader Nazrul said their party founder, Ziaur Rahman, inherited a famine-stricken country but transformed its economy through various initiatives, including increasing food production, establishing the garment sector, and promoting the export of fish from the sea. “Are these not significant achievements?” He urged the advisers to question the contributions of politicians only after making any significant achievements for the country, as Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia had done.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Monday urged the party leaders and activists to focus on earning the trust and support of the people to win the upcoming national election. “We want to send a clear message to all that the days of victories through deception are over. Now, there’s no scope to win the polls without competition, with dummy candidates, or by holding the voting at night. We’ve changed this by sacrificing lives and carrying out struggles year after year,” he told a workshop in Mymensingh city. Tarique's acquittal proves cases were politically motivated: Fakhrul  The BNP's central training committee organised the workshop on the party's 31-point state reform proposal at the Tarique Smriti Auditorium. Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, said that the upcoming elections will be held in a free and fair manner, where voters will be able to exercise their right to vote without fear or obstruction. “We must win that election by convincing the people and winning their hearts.” The BNP leader said their party does not want to deceive the people with false promises or unrealistic messages. "That’s why we have prepared some outlines, recognising the hopes and aspirations of the people of the country. We’ve developed our plans so that the people can understand that we are committed to changing their fate and improving their living standards," he said. BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf acquitted in graft case Nazrul said that the 31-point outline was also crafted to give the people a clear idea of what the party intends to do if it returns to power. He said the reform outline was formulated in consultation with all left-wing, right-wing, and democratic parties--who stood with the BNP in waging a simultaneous movement--and in line with the party founder Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point programme, Khaleda Zia’s Vision-2030, and Tarique Rahman’s 27-point proposal. The BNP leader explained that they are presenting the 31-point outline to their leaders and activists first, so that they can fully understand its core messages and convey them effectively to the people. "If our leaders and activists send the wrong message and confuse the people, we will fail to gain public support," he warned.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Friday questioned the justification of the recent agitations by ISKCON, alleging that the 'deposed autocrat' is linked to it. "I don't even want to name the organisation involved in these recent activities. They (ISKCON) have branches in various countries around the world… Ask them in which other country, apart from Bangladesh, do they organise processions with specific demands and announce long marches?" he said while speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club. The BNP leader also questioned why ISKCON had launched a movement following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime, when it had remained silent during the repression and suppression under her rule. He expressed his astonishment at how the leaders of ISKCON, as citizens of Bangladesh, could request the Indian government to intervene in this matter. "Is Bangladesh a country under anyone's control, or is it subject to another country's actions?" he asked. The discussion meeting, titled 'What We Can Do to Confront Fascism and Its Associates', was organised by Khelafat Andolon to mark its 43rd founding anniversary. Nazrul Islam Khan, a BNP Standing Committee member, criticised the Indian government's statement regarding the ISKCON issue. He expressed frustration that India had not issued a statement when several thousand of people, including children, were killed during the July-August movement, or even when an advocate was killed in Chattogram. "So, if one person is arrested, you issue a statement... but when several thousand people have been killed, no statement is issued. This is biased. Whether it is done by an individual or a state, such actions are unacceptable." As a labour leader, Nazrul also expressed support for the recent movement by battery-powered rickshaw drivers, stating that their demands were justified. "If you believe rickshaws should not be allowed, you should have stopped them in the beginning. Now there are thousands of rickshaws, and many people rely on them to earn a living. You can't just say they won't be allowed—who will accept that?" he argued. Don’t’ pave the path for fascist’s return: BNP However, Nazrul noted that the nature of the movement was not entirely normal. "I understand labour movements, and this one didn't seem normal. Then I saw that the leaders of the movement were all Chhatra League members. The demand was legitimate, but the way the movement was conducted appeared to be a conspiracy." In light of the current situation, Nazrul called for unity, awareness, and vigilance to prevent any attempts to undermine national unity or conspire against the people. "I urge the interim government to engage in dialogue with all political parties, organisations, labour groups, civil society, and journalists… and work to build a unity so strong that no one dares to challenge us," he said.  

Stating that deliberate efforts are underway to create chaos on various fronts, BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday urged the political parties and people from all walks of life to cooperate with the interim government in addressing all plots and challenges. Speaking at a discussion meeting in the capital , he also said it matters little whether deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned or not, as she fled the country in the face of a mass movement. “The conspiracies have not stopped. Various plots are being hatched. We must remain vigilant and cooperate with the government to tackle these plots. We know this government is not very strong, as it does not represent any party or opinion," the BNP leader said. He said that the interim government did not usurp power, as the nation entrusted it with the responsibility to run the state. "We must collaborate with the government since we have given it this charge. “There are deliberate efforts to create chaos in various sectors of the country. There were attempts to disrupt order during the recent Durga Puja, but we resisted these efforts through united efforts of all." As a labour leader, Nazrul said, he had never heard of the demand for ensuring parity between male and female workers in the RMG factories. “However, a movement was launched over this issue, resulting in factories being attacked, ransacked, and shut down. Are those who carried out this movement truly labour workers?” President out to rehabilitate Hasina, says BNP The Bangladesh Labour Party organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club to mark its 47th founding anniversary. Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said it is a mistake to think that the Awami League lacks the capability to create chaos in the country just because the party is not in power and its top leaders have fled. "They have that capacity and are attempting to create problems in various ways. However, it is the government's responsibility to suppress unjust activities. We can assist them, but we cannot do so in favour of the government. We urge the government to take effective steps promptly to provide relief to the people by stabilising the prices of essential goods," he said. The BNP leader expressed concern and doubt over why the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation suddenly emerged. "It is the government's responsibility to investigate the matter and take appropriate action." Nazrul, who was in jail on August 5, said, “From prison, we saw on television that the President, accompanied by the chiefs of the three services, stated that Sheikh Hasina had resigned and accepted her resignation letter. There should be no controversy over this after the President's announcement.” After that, he noted that Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, claimed she did not step down. “Later, we heard a telephone conversation where Hasina stated she did not resign in the way it should have been done. This implies that she did resign…so there should be no question about her resignation. It is of little significance whether she resigned or not, as she has fled the country." The BNP leader stated that some political parties are suddenly advocating for the Proportional Representation (PR) election system. “They never discussed it in the past, and even some major parties are now supporting it. This is a significant decision that should be determined through discussions.” He said India, the largest democracy in the world, does not use the PR system in their lower house or Lok Sabha elections, nor in the Vidhan Sabha. “The PR system is also not applied in the USA, Canada, or France. Even in England, where democracy originated, the PR system is not used,” he said. Nazrul added that the PR system has been implemented in Nepal and Sri Lanka in South Asia. “We have also seen how many times the government has changed in Nepal over the past 5 to 7 years.” He said there should be no room for implementing any special agenda of individuals or groups taking advantage of a changed situation. “Decisions should be made in line with the hopes and desires of the people. Nothing should be imposed; instead, we should accept what is beneficial for all." Speaking at the same programme, BNP standing committee member Begum Selima Rahman said the allies of the fascist Sheikh Hasina regime are still occupying key positions in the country. “These associates are attempting to stage a comeback in a planned manner. However, their return to politics will not be that easy."

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday urged democratic political parties to maintain their unity, rising above narrow political interests, to resist the revival of Awami fascism. Speaking at a memorial discussion meeting in the capital, he also called upon the government to fulfill its duty of restoring democracy through elected public representatives as soon as possible. The BNP leader also said those who have oppressed the people of the country over the past 16 years have neither expressed regret nor shown remorse, and they continue to work to harm the nation. “We must remain aware and united, with our goals steadfast. Unfortunately, it seems we have not learned our lesson despite facing so much repression and suppression,” he said. Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, also lamented that one pro-democratic party is making derogatory comments about another solely for narrow political interests, which serves no purpose. “We could oust autocracy and fascism with the mass unity we have forged. If this unity is compromised in any way, that fascism and autocracy will revive, and none of us will be spared. That’s why we must not jeopardise our unity,” he said. The BNP leader said their party aims to collaborate with all forces—right, left, moderate, and Islamic—to build the country and ensure the welfare of its people. “We want to ensure that the people of this country are never again subjected to fascism and repression. We also advocate for freedom of the press, but not its abuse.” Jamiat Ulema-e Islam arranged the progarmme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in memory of its former leader and ex-MP Mufti Mohammad Wakkas. Later, the party’s national council was also held at the venue. BNP smells a blueprint to establish those who ‘sell independence’ He warned that the cohorts of the autocratic regime are making various efforts to create division among democratic forces. “We must resist all such evil efforts.” The BNP leader stated that their party aims to assist the current interim government in properly fulfilling its specific responsibilities, such as restoring democracy following the fall of autocracy. “Democracy means governing the country through the elected representatives of the people. While fascism has been removed, democracy has yet to be restored. The government has the responsibility to restore it. We hope they will do it correctly and as soon as possible," Nazrul said. He said political parties, including the BNP, are prepared to give the government a reasonable timeframe for the restoration of democracy. “However, the government’s goals need to be clear to the people. We must understand the nature of their actions.” The BNP leader also said those who attempt to obstruct the restoration of democracy must be dealt with firmly. He noted that associates of fascism still hold key positions at various levels of the administration. “We must be vigilant to ensure they cannot plot to bring back the fascist Awami forces." The BNP leader said over 700 BNP leaders and workers have been subjected to enforced disappearance over the past 15 years, with most of them not returning. “We don’t know whether they are alive or not. Their children, parents, and relatives are still waiting for the return of their loved ones.” He said more than a thousand BNP leaders and activists were killed during Sheikh Hasina’s regime, while hundreds of thousands were implicated in false cases. The BNP leader emphasised that the people of the country were freed from Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule through the sacrifices of many students and citizens. “It is now our responsibility to ensure that the people do not face such a regime again."

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday said the country’s people have no interest in casting their votes in a ‘meaningless’ election billed for January 7. He also raised a question if there is public support in the 'one-sided' election, why the councillors have been given instructions by the police to bring voters to the polling stations. Talking to reporters while distributing leaflets, containing BNPs' call for boycotting the upcoming polls, among the pedestrians on the Motijheel to Dilkusha Road, Nazrul said, “People are not interested in voting as they know it's a meaningless election... It's not a vote and not an election." AL resorting to threats to drive up turnout after failing to get desired response for Jan 7 election: Rizvi He called upon the voters not to go to the polling stations in any situation on January 7. “Don’t cooperate with the regime which is playing a game with the lives and livelihoods of people.” Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said why the dummy candidates are needed to bring people to the polling station. "Why are beneficiaries of the government’s different programmes and facilities threatened that their cards will be cancelled if they don't cast their votes? Why have you used police to instruct the councillors to bring people to the polling stations? Gazipur train derailment: Jubo Dal leader, associate arrested He said people have already rejected the lopsided election and they will boycott the voting as well. The BNP leader also questioned the justification of holding such an unacceptable election by spending several thousand crores of taka when the country’s economy and financial institutions are in dire straits. “We urge the government to stop this expenditure on this illegal election...it can’t be called an election where all candidates belong to Awami League. We don't want such an election,” he said. BNP leader shot dead over land dispute in Sitakunda The BNP leader said their party wants such an election where the people can freely exercise their right to vote and elect their representatives. As part of their three-day countrywide programme, Nazrul along with some leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal conducted a mass campaign and distributed leaflets among the pedestrians near Sonali Bank in the Motijheel area.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday asked their party’s leaders and activists to get ready for taking to the streets with shrouds on their heads for the restoration of democracy in the country. “Many of our political colleagues have remained missing. We’ve not yet found a good number of our leaders, including Ilias Ali, Chowdhury Alam, Parvez and Hiru. More may face the same fate at this point of our movement,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, Nazrul said the leaders and activists of BNP must continue the movement together as their chairperson Khaleda Zia is now at the crossroads of death and life. “We have to create a mass upsurge in a democratic process to oust the current regime.  So, take preparations for that. We must carry out the fight with shrouds on our heads braving the fear of deaths,” he said. BNP’s national committee on celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Independence of the country arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club. READ: BNP not to join talks on EC formation Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said democracy was obliterated and disrupted repeatedly in the country since the country’s independence by Awami League whenever it came to power. He said BNP has the capability to bring back democracy in Bangladesh as it did in the past under the leadership of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. READ: Clash between BNP factions: Ex-Jubo Dal leader stabbed in Pabna “It’s now the responsibility of BNP leaders and activists to restore democracy in the country,” Nazrul said.