Staff Reporter :
BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has expressed confidence that the upcoming national election will be held as scheduled in February next year, dismissing concerns raised by some political quarters.
“I see no reason to question whether the election will take place in February. From my perspective, it is firmly on track.
There is no justification for stirring unnecessary doubts,” he said while addressing reporters during a press briefing at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Sunday.
His remarks came in response to a query about demands made by several Islamic political parties during a rally organised by Islami Andolon Bangladesh at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday.
The groups had called for local government elections to be held before the national polls.
Khosru stated that election preparations are already underway across the country, with both the public and the Election Commission making active arrangements.
“People nationwide are preparing for the election, and the Election Commission is also progressing accordingly. There is no need to speculate or disrupt the process based on assumptions,” he said.
He also noted that political differences are a normal part of democratic discourse. “It is not unusual to have disagreements among political groups. Every party has the right to express its views,” he added.
The press briefing followed a meeting between BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh.
Responding to questions about recent incidents of sexual violence, Khosru said such crimes are taking place in various parts of the country, many of which go unreported. “The government must strengthen its capabilities and increase vigilance to address this issue more effectively,” he urged.
He also warned against politicising such incidents for short-term political gains. “Attempts to exploit these tragedies for electoral advantage will ultimately fail,” he said, adding that public awareness about the perpetrators-particularly in reference to the recent Cumilla case – was growing.
“From what has been reported on social media and in various newspapers, the individual involved had known affiliations with Awami League politics.”
On the topic of foreign relations, particularly with India, Khosru emphasised the importance of maintaining respectful and balanced bilateral ties.
“Our relationship with India should be based on core principles – mutual respect, non-interference, and the protection of each other’s interests,” he said. “If these principles are upheld, I believe our bilateral relations can progress more constructively.”
