‘Nat’l poll only way to restore democracy’
Staff Reporter :
BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday asserted that a national election is the only viable path for the interim government to restore democracy and return constitutional rights to the people.
“There is no alternative to elections for restoring democratic, political, and constitutional rights,” Khosru told reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from London, where he was present at the meeting between BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser to the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The two leaders, Khosru said, reached a consensus during their meeting at the Dorchester Hotel in London, agreeing that national elections must be held to resolve the current political crisis.
Responding to criticism from parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) regarding the London joint statement, Khosru defended the spirit of inclusivity. “Freedom of expression is essential in a democratic society. Every opinion matters,” he said.
He emphasized that Bangladesh’s youth have never experienced a truly participatory election, fueling their desire for democratic reform. “People have made sacrifices to bring democracy back. We’re hopeful that Bangladesh is now on the right track,” he added.
On the issue of political reform and the prosecution of authoritarian elements, Khosru stated that such actions would continue before and after the election. “Reforms are not tied to a timeline. If trials can’t be completed in six months, the newly elected government must carry them forward,” he noted.
Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed called on the interim government to formally notify the Election Commission (EC) of the decision made during the London meeting to hold national elections in February 2026.
“The government must now take steps to facilitate a democratic transition by officially informing the EC,” Salahuddin said during a discussion event.
He noted that only after formal notification can the EC confirm its role and proceed with preparations for the election.