Senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Tuesday said the July-August mass uprising and the formation of the interim government were the direct outcomes of his party's 16-year-long movement against the 'fascist' Awami League regime. “We carried out movements on the streets for 16 years against the fascist government. The July-August uprising and the formation of the interim government were the results of that movement,” he said. Mosharraf made these remarks while addressing a commemoration meeting at the Jatiya Press Club. The Khandaker Delwar Smriti Foundation organised the meeting to mark the 14th anniversary of the death of former BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain. Mosharraf, a member of BNP's Standing Committee, urged the interim government not to delay the national elections under the pretext of reforms. “The interim government must fulfil the people's aspirations by conducting the national election without unnecessary delay. This is what the people expect,” he said. The BNP leader noted that when the current government, led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, came to power, it had promised to establish people's rights. “That right refers to the right to vote. We hope the government will soon live up to its promise.” People won’t accept any excuse for delaying election: Murad BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, while addressing the programme, criticised the government for failing to remove ‘fascist elements’ from various government offices. “Those who held important positions during the Awami League regime are now serving in similar roles in the interim government,” he said. The BNP leader claimed that the same officer who had framed Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust case is now holding a key position in a significant ministry in the interim government with considerable power. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque said the people of the country are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to exercise their voting rights, of which they have been deprived for 17 years. “The people of the country now want a national election, not any other form of reform,” he observed. Farroque urged the interim government to announce a clear election date, stating, “People do not want anything more from you.”

Dhaka District Jubo Dal President Yassin Ferdous Murad on Tuesday warned that the people of Bangladesh will not accept any excuses for delaying the national election. "Prolonged delays in holding the national election under the pretext of reforms are unacceptable under any circumstances. The people of the country will not tolerate any excuse for deferring the election," Murad told an iftar party. The iftar was organised by the BNP Sanora Union unit in Dhamrai and its associated bodies at the Mahishashi Purba Para Islamia Madrasa field. Murad said the people of the country have been waiting for 17 years to elect their representatives through a free and fair election. "The people have been deprived of their right to vote for far too long. If the interim government delays the polls on the grounds of reforms or for any other reason, the people may become frustrated and take to the streets," he observed. The Jubo Dal leader also expressed deep concern over the worsening law and order situation in the country, describing it as alarming. "Only an elected government can restore stability and order in the country.” New conspiracy unfolding against BNP, democracy and Bangladesh, warns Tarique He called on the interim government to present a clear election roadmap to dispel any confusion in the minds of the people regarding the national election. Although seven months have elapsed since the fall of the fascist Awami regime, Murad said its associates are still holding positions in various state institutions and key offices. "These fascist allies are actively conspiring against Bangladesh and its people.” He urged the democratic forces to unite and resist all plots by the fascist forces. "We must remain united to rid Bangladesh of autocracy and establish full democracy in the country.

BNP senior leader Selima Rahman on Monday expressed deep concern that women are not safe in society, stating that a "grand festival of rape" unfolding in Bangladesh, with 11 women and children falling victims to rapists. “We are witnessing a grand festival of rape across the country with 11 women and children assaulted in the week following the killing of Achia,” she said. Fakhrul urges quick national election to restore stability The BNP leader made the remarks at a human-chain programme in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office, organised by the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, to demand the trial of those responsible for the rape and murder of eight-year-old Achia in Magura. Citing newspaper reports, Selima, a BNP Standing Committee member, said 43,000 women, including 7,000 children, were raped in the past four years, yet “no justice has been served for them.” She questioned what the interim government did do to improve law and order and ensure the safety of women amid the surge in rape incidents.  The BNP leader warned that the government would be unable to restore peace and stability if it fails to improve law and order. “I would like to tell Dr Yunus that various misleading statements are being circulated. I urge you to become a symbol of peace and establish harmony in Bangladesh by ensuring a fair election,” she said. Selima said Bangladesh is going through such a critical period that women are no longer safe. “We are now living in a country where women are harassed, abused and raped. No one, from children to elderly women, is safe.” She condemned those responsible for the brutal rape and murder of eight-year-old Achia in Magura, describing them as inhumane and beastly. The BNP leader alleged that incidents of rape and violence against women sharply increased during the rule of the fascist Awami League, largely due to the culture of impunity. “But we rid ourselves of that rule as our students and the masses ousted the fascist regime and forced them to leave the country. Even after that, why does the situation remain so dire that women are unable to live freely?” she asked. Tarique promises trial for killings in 2024 uprising if BNP wins Mentioning the role of women in the Liberation War and various movements, including the July-August mass uprising, Selima bemoaned that women still lack security in the country. She said although women were subjected to rape, murder and repression, the criminals were never brought to justice during the previous regime. “But we have now entrusted power to someone we consider a symbol of peace, Dr Yunus. We had hoped that our country would be safe in his hands. Our mothers and sisters would be safe, and we would all be able to speak freely,” the BNP leader said.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday promised that his party would bring those responsible for the tortures and killings during the anti-autocratic movement and the 2024 mass uprising under trial, if it is voted to power. “We can firmly say if the people of Bangladesh give the BNP the opportunity to govern in the future, we will ensure trials for all incidents of killings and repression,” he said while addressing an Iftar Mahfil virtually at a city hotel. Tarique assured that the party would make every effort, alongside various political programmes, to ensure justice for those affected and for those subjected to repression and killings during the anti-autocratic movements and the July-August mass uprising. Focus on solving public issues, not just reforms: Tarique to political parties  Amra BNP Paribar organised the event at Lakeshore Hotel for the families of the victims of enforced disappearances and killings during the ‘fascist’ Awami League regime, as well as for the martyrs of the 2024 mass uprising. Eid gifts were also distributed among the victim families at the event. The BNP acting chairman said both the party and the nation expect a fair and neutral election in the future, through which the people of Bangladesh will decide who will form the government. Regardless of which party comes to power, he said there must be a programme, alongside various other activities, to ensure justice for all victims of torture and injustice. Tarique talks to Magura rape victim’s mother, assures justice “The trial must be conducted fairly at any costs. If we fail to hold trials for past injustices, and if there is no fair and proper trial for these incidents, then injustice could recur in the country,” he warned. Tarique Rahman urged the victim families not to lose hope but to live up to their expectations. “If we all remain united and vocal against injustice, we will certainly be able to hold these trials in this land,” he added.  

The United Nations considers political reforms in Bangladesh an internal matter, said BNP leaders following a roundtable discussion on reform proposals on Saturday. Speaking to reporters after the discussion, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said they told the UN that reforms should be implemented as soon as possible, with a focus on the election. "We have insisted that reforms must be carried out without delay. We were the first party to raise the issue of reforms. It is essential that these reforms, particularly in relation to the upcoming election, are completed promptly," he said. Fakhrul said they also talked about holding the next national election after completing the polls-related reforms. The BNP leader said they said the parliament that will be formed through the election will implement the remaining reforms. "We’ve said it’s a continuous process.” Party standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, "The UN has said it’s an internal affair of Bangladesh, and it is for you (politicians) to sit together and determine what reforms will be made." He also mentioned that the UN expressed hope that a strong democratic government would be established in Bangladesh through the upcoming election that should be in line with the will of the people of Bangladesh. Elections to be useless without reforms, Nahid tells dialogue “He (UN Secretary-General) hoped that the upcoming elections will set a precedent in the world,” Salahuddin said. Replying to a question, Fakhrul said they did not discuss any time-frame for completing the reforms, as it is an internal matter of Bangladesh. "We are in talks with the reform commissions... we are in contact with them, and we have provided what they have asked for… So, there can be no questions regarding those matters. Why should we provide a time-frame to the UN Secretary-General?" he observed. The BNP leader also said they participated in the roundtable organised by the UN’s Dhaka office and shared their views on the reforms and the election. Basically, he said the UN Secretary-General was informed about the reform initiative and the commissions established by the government in this regard. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres joined the roundtable discussion on reform proposals participated by representatives of political parties, National Consensus Building Commission and other stakeholders. Apart from BNP, the leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Nagarik Oikya, CPB, AB Party and Ganosanhati Andolon participated in the event. On behalf of BNP, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed joined the meeting. UN Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima, Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Dr Asif, and representatives of different other political parties, Prof Ali Riaz, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present at the dialogue held at Hotel InterContinental.

BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday alleged that the government of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina did politics over the Rohingya issue for financial gain. "Dr Muhammad Yunus, you are visiting Cox’s Bazar with the UN Secretary-General. Tell him openly that Sheikh Hasina has exploited the Rohingya issue for financial gain," he told a protest rally. Nagorik Odhikar Andolon organised the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club to protest against "Indian aggression and propaganda against Bangladesh." UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon for a four-day visit and travelled to Cox’s Bazar on Friday morning to meet Rohingya refugees. Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, voiced concerns over the rising incidents of crime, violence and social unrest in the country, urging the authorities to take swift action to restore normalcy. "Why have muggings increased? Why do incidents of assault still happen? Why are women still being raped? Professor Muhammad Yunus and Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury should investigate who is behind these acts," he said. The BNP leader claimed that those who amassed illegal wealth during the Awami League’s rule are now orchestrating various untoward incidents and fuelling social unrest. "You (Professor Yunus) must fight against them. You will prevail in this fight, and we are with you," he said. Ill-efforts underway to divide political parties: Mirza Abbas Farroque said the unity forged among the country’s politicians and people during the July-August mass uprising must be maintained for the greater good of the nation. "We have to sustain this unity so that the sacrifices of Abu Sayeed and Mugdha do not go in vain," he observed. The BNP leader also stressed the need for national unity to restore democracy through a credible election. He urged Dr Yunus to arrange a national election as soon as possible to thwart conspiracies against the country. "We want the unity through which Professor Muhammad Yunus can facilitate a credible election in Bangladesh. People are now saying that you [Sheikh Hasina] are no longer capable of running the state. A conspiracy has begun. To put an end to this conspiracy, an election is necessary... arrange for that election," the BNP leader said. Farroque alleged that Sheikh Hasina indulged in widespread looting of national wealth before fleeing the country. "Sheikh Hasina has fled with 18 steel boxes filled with Bangladesh’s wealth—dollars, rubles, everything. Her ministers and associates have plundered the nation's resources," he alleged. Farroque urged India to withdraw its support for Sheikh Hasina, calling her a "fascist leader and a destroyer of democracy." "If India truly cares about Bangladesh and has genuinely supported our Liberation War, then Narendra Modi’s government should never stand by a dictator like Hasina," he said. Farroque also alleged that Sheikh Hasina is conspiring against Bangladesh to destabilise the country from India.

While there were initial hopes for the national election by the year-end, leaders of the BNP now feel that there is a deliberate effort to extend the tenure of the interim government and delay the polls, using the need for reforms as a pretext. Speaking to UNB, senior BNP leaders also accused the interim government of deliberately evading a clear election roadmap in spite of their party’s repeated demands. They argued that contradictory statements from the Chief Adviser and several other advisers regarding the election timeline have only deepened their suspicions about the government’s true intentions and its determination to cling to power. Amid these concerns, BNP policymakers, at their last standing committee meeting on Monday decided to intensify street protests to expose what they describe as an "electoral conspiracy" and ramp up pressure on the government to announce a clear election roadmap. As part of this strategy, BNP leaders and activists will stage nationwide rallies and public gatherings throughout April and May. Some standing committee members also proposed holding a massive public rally in Dhaka to set a deadline for the government to declare the election date. A BNP Standing Committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it has become clear to them that the government is intentionally prolonging the election process under the guise of reforms, discussions about a Constituent Assembly election, a Second Republic, and strengthening local government. NCP nothing but a "King’s Party", says BNP’s Bulu He said they think some advisers within the interim government are engaging in underhanded tactics to delay the election. “We also sense that the government is giving undue importance to what the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat are saying. It doesn't seem like they will easily leave power or hold the election. So, we're now planning to intensify our movement to pressure the government into holding elections by the end of the year,” the BNP leader said. He said some of their policymakers have proposed holding rallies in all divisional cities, including Dhaka, to demand the government set a clear election roadmap and promptly complete the necessary reforms. At the rally in Dhaka, the BNP leader said they suggested that the party issue an ultimatum to the government, demanding a specific roadmap for the election. Another BNP standing committee member said their policymakers are in favour of staying on the streets to thwart any attempts to delay the election and democratic transition. “A strong push must be made to mount pressure on the interim government for holding election. We’ve recently held rallies in various districts to make our stance on the election clear. This trend must continue,” he said. Focus on solving public issues, not just reforms: Tarique to political parties  The BNP leader said most of the party’s policymakers have agreed to work out various programmes to ensure a strong presence of party leaders and activists on the streets from mid-April to May. “We’ll gradually escalate our actions, including marches toward the Chief Adviser’s office and the Election commission,” he said. “We supported the interim government from the very beginning, but over time, our confidence in it has started eroding. The government is losing its neutrality as it backs the student’s party NCP. It is deliberately delaying the election to give NCP time to reorganise. So, we now believe we must return to the streets to restore democracy and the people’s right to vote,” he said. The BNP policymaker also mentioned receiving concerning messages from foreign diplomats about the government’s intentions regarding the election. “We’re preparing to confront a new plot against the country and our party,” he said. As part of this alleged plot, he said some major companies are reportedly supporting Jamaat and NCP by providing significant financial backing. “They are spreading propaganda against the BNP to tarnish our reputation and are trying to keep us out of power. We remain vigilant about this,” he observed. BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas, speaking at a programme on Wednesday, said the public perception of a plot to delay the election under the pretext of reforms is not baseless. NCP creating chaos to delay national election, alleges BNP leader   “The government can even arrange the election by June or July after completing the reforms by slightly modifying our 31-point proposal. The government has said it will hold the election in December, but I fail to understand the reason behind the unnecessary delay," he said. The BNP leader also criticised some political parties for supporting the delay of the election under the guise of reforms. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said their party has been pushing for the restoration of democracy through a credible election for the last 17 years. “We’ve been patient, trusting the interim government, but we won’t stay idle for long. Even if we don’t want to, we may have to take to the streets to ensure the election.” He said there is no need to buy more time for the election in the name of reforms. “Reform is an ongoing process. We want reforms, but elections cannot be delayed for them. Elections must be held as soon as possible. Necessary reforms should be done to organise a free, fair, and acceptable election and the remaining reforms can be carried out by the elected government.” Public perception about ploy to delay election is valid: Mirza Abbas Gayeshwar said the interim government should not treat BNP as an opposition party, pushing it to take to the streets. Said BNP’s main demand over the past 17 years has been a fair election. “There is no reason to deviate from this demand.      

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Wednesday said that the public perception that the national election might be deliberately delayed under the guise of reform is not unfounded. “The government has put forward reform programmes ahead of the election. But, I have found nothing new in their reform proposal that is not already included in our 31-point proposal. So, the nation’s perception that the reform issue is being used as a pretext to delay the election is not baseless,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a workshop on BNP’s 31-point proposal for state structure reforms, organised by the Dhaka South city unit of BNP at the Railway Officers' Club ground in Shahjahanpur. Abbas, a member of the BNP standing committee, said the government can complete the reform initiative and arrange the elections promptly by modifying BNP's 31-point reform proposal. "The government can even announce that the election will be held by June or July after completing the reforms and modifying our 31-point proposal. The government has said it will hold the election in December, but I fail to understand the reason behind the unnecessary delay," he said. The BNP leader also criticised some political parties for advocating the delay of the election under the guise of reforms. NCP creating chaos to delay national election, alleges BNP leader   “We have shed our fresh blood for democracy, for the right to speak, and for the right to vote. But now, when the time for voting has come, some political parties are setting various conditions for the polls,” he said. Abbas said the Awami League did whatever it wished, considering the country as its paternal property. “Do you (some political parties) think the same? This Bangladesh is not anyone's personal property. This Bangladesh belongs to people. So, speak with consideration, so that we don’t have to speak without any calculation.” Without mentioning any name, he said some greedy politicians and political parties oppose merely for the sake of opposition, not for any practical reason. “These parties have opposed since the creation of Pakistan, starting from the partition of India to today…there is not an ounce of patriotism in them. They do not love the country or its people. They just want to come to power by any means,” the BNP leader said. Abbas said BNP has no objection to any party coming to power through a credible election. “Come to the polls. Why are you afraid of elections?” He said those who claim that the election will not be allowed should explain how many of their leaders and activists have been martyred in the July-August movement. “Our 422 leaders and activists have been martyred in one month. How many of yours have been martyred?” Focus on solving public issues, not just reforms: Tarique to political parties  The BNP leader also slammed a section of journalists who only highlight BNP’s negative activities rather than its positive ones. He alleged that various parties, television channels, and YouTubers are all speaking against BNP as part of a coordinated effort to malign the party. “It’s our duty to resist this through our actions and by standing with the people.” Abbas also mentioned that BNP’s image has been tarnished by false accusations against its leaders and activists. “They (offenders) commit wrongdoings, engage in extortion and carry out misdeeds, then blame BNP for it. These extortionists must be resisted, either through words or actions.” He said the extortionists of the Awami League have now infiltrated all parties, including BNP and Jamaat. “These extortionists have taken shelter in all parties, to a greater or lesser extent. Identify them and either expel them from the party or hand them over to the police.” Abbas said there is no place for miscreants, offenders, or extortionists in the BNP. “There will be no room for bad people in BNP… remember this.”

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy has emphasised France's strong commitment to supporting democratic values, human rights, necessary reforms ahead of the upcoming elections and political dialogue in Bangladesh. Global focus on Rohingya crisis to return through UN chief’s visit: Govt She recently met leaders from various political parties in Bangladesh, such as leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) and Ganosamhati Andolon, and discussed the issues.

BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Wednesday said the National Citizens Party (NCP), formed by students from the Anti-Discrimination Movement, is creating chaos to delay the national election. “The people of the country ousted the fascist Sheikh Hasina by making the movement a success, paving the way for a national election. But, the new party (NCP) is now trying to create chaos to delay the election... people have started saying this,” he told a civic rally. Ganatantra Forum organised the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club to protest against widespread violence against women, oppression, rape, online harassment, the deterioration of law and order and the lack of justice. Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, called upon the government to announce a clear roadmap for the national election. “If the government delays the election under the pretext of reforms, the ghosts of the Awami League will inevitably try to reemerge,” he warned. Focus on solving public issues, not just reforms: Tarique to political parties  The BNP leader said the government will surely carry out reforms, but it should also declare the election roadmap to prevent those plotting against the country and its people. He said the NCP has demanded simultaneous holding of both the constituent assembly and parliamentary elections. “I would like to tell the government that I don’t understand the constituent assembly. I understand only one thing that I had 84 cases against me, and I was in jail for nine years out of 16. As a political activist and freedom fighter, I urge Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus to organise a neutral national election, not a constituent assembly, in line with people’s aspirations,” the BNP leader said. Farroque also said the political parties which had carried out the movement against fascist Sheikh Hasina would form a national government through a credible national election and implement reform proposals after discussions in parliament. He said the people of the country have entrusted Dr Yunus with the responsibility of restoring their voting rights by organising the election. “So, the demand of people and political parties that fought in the movement under the leadership of Tarique Rahman is to hold an election swiftly.” The BNP leader said a government formed by elected public representatives would be able to put the fascists on trial and expose their wrongdoings. “We urge the government to organise the election without further delay, allowing the people to exercise their right to vote.”