BNP seeks ‘free, fair and peaceful’ election: Nazrul

Staff Reporter :

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday reiterated its demand for a free, fair and peaceful election to the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, saying such an environment is essential for restoring people’s voting rights.

“We expect that this time citizens will be able to cast their votes freely and elect candidates of their choice. A government formed through such a process will work for the welfare of the people,” said BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan.

Nazrul, who also heads the party’s Central Election Steering Committee, made the remarks while briefing journalists following 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 choose their preferred representatives through genuine elections.

“Our objective is to ensure an election that is free, fair and peaceful, where people can truly express their opinions. Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, BNP is working to achieve that goal,” Nazrul said, seeking full cooperation from the media in this effort.

Referring to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s recent return to the country after 17 years, Nazrul said Tarique repeatedly emphasised peace and reconciliation in his speech at a massive public reception.
“That is why we are hopeful about a peaceful election. BNP will play whatever role is necessary to ensure peace, and the election steering committee will work with that commitment,” he added.

Nazrul said BNP has consistently called for free and fair elections and expressed hope that journalists would continue to present the party’s position to the public, as they had done during past political movements.
“For a long time, many of you wanted to speak but could not do so freely. The situation has now changed. We hope you will use your experience to help realise the people’s aspirations,” he said.

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

‘We want to remain transparent’
Nazrul said BNP aims to maintain transparency in both words and actions.
“We do not want to hide anything. If people clearly understand our position and still consider us suitable, they will support us,” he said.

He added that a government elected with public backing would be able to govern confidently, without resorting to any covert practices.

“Our leaders and activists have never followed any approach that compromises their identity or dignity, and they will not do so in the future either,” he said.

On nomination paper rejection
Responding to questions about nomination papers, Nazrul said cancellations based on legal grounds should not be blamed on anyone.

“Nomination papers of BNP candidates have also been rejected in some cases. Where there is legal scope and sufficient time, candidates will raise objections, and decisions may change accordingly,” he said.
Nazrul noted that in the past, elections were described as participatory even when many political parties did not take part, though he refrained from making such claims himself.

He said some parties are currently facing public anger and that, under existing laws, political activities of certain groups are restricted or banned, leaving them with no legal opportunity to participate in the polls.
Call for government action

Replying to allegations that a particular party is collecting voters’ ID cards through door-to-door visits, Nazrul said canvassing households is not illegal, but collecting voter ID or national identity cards is a serious concern.

“These are extremely sensitive and personal documents. If they are being collected, it could indicate malicious intent,” he warned.

BNP urged the media to report such incidents if they have credible information and called on the government to take appropriate action.

Nazrul expressed hope that the authorities would act responsibly to safeguard citizens’ personal information.