The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the country’s major political entities, has centered its agenda exclusively on elections. The party is vocal about the urgent need for National Parliament elections and is actively consolidating its organizational strength. By aligning with like-minded political parties, BNP aims to intensify pressure on the government to expedite the election process.
BNP leaders advocate for an interim government focused solely on ensuring fair elections, cautioning against extensive reforms that could delay the process. They argue that political, economic, and international challenges will escalate if elections are postponed further. With the Election Commission already constituted, the party sees no valid reason for delay, asserting that elections could be conducted as early as July if the necessary reforms are swiftly implemented.
Concerns persist within BNP about conspiracies targeting the party, reminiscent of the "Minus Two" strategy during the one-eleven political crisis. A reliable BNP source warned that similar forces might now be plotting to sideline the BNP entirely by delaying elections.
BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan emphasized the need for a fair electoral process, telling Bangladesh Pratidin: “We hope the current government will restore the people’s rights through impartial elections, reflecting the aspirations of 18 crore citizens.” Advisor to BNP Chairperson Zainul Abdin Farroque added that the interim government must not squander time under the guise of reforms.
General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reaffirmed BNP’s urgency, stating that elections could feasibly occur between July and August this year. His remarks clarified BNP’s election-focused strategy. The party has committed to keeping its leaders and workers continuously active through various programs while demanding the announcement of an election roadmap.
As part of its strategy, BNP seeks to strengthen public engagement by prioritizing issues of national importance. The party is also promoting its vision for state reforms, based on the 31-point agenda spearheaded by acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who is working directly with grassroots leaders. This strategy reflects BNP’s determination to maintain its presence on the ground until elections are held.
The BNP leadership remains wary of government maneuvers that could hinder elections. They recall the formation of a "King’s Party" during the one-eleven crisis, aimed at sidelining Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. BNP fears a similar plot might unfold, making the announcement of an election roadmap crucial to ensure all political parties focus on election preparations, thereby mitigating risks of political manipulation.
BNP leaders underline that their demand for a free and fair election has been part of a 17-year-long struggle. Despite milestones like the July-August student-led movement against fascism, the fight remains unfinished. They allege that certain groups are deliberately creating distractions to delay the electoral process and disrupt BNP’s activities, citing reliance on leaders from the anti-discrimination student movement as part of the effort.
While BNP supports necessary reforms as part of a continuous process, it insists that election-related reforms must take precedence. Leaders emphasize that their 31-point reform agenda, proposed two years before the political crisis, already includes the interim government’s suggested changes. For BNP, the priority is clear: announce the election roadmap and proceed with polls without further delay.
The BNP believes that swift and fair elections are essential for restoring democracy in Bangladesh. For the party, everything now revolves around ensuring the people’s right to vote.
Translated by Jisan Al Jubair
Bd-pratidin English
