Polls this year crucial, BNP tells EU envoy
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh Nationalist party (BNP) on Sunday emphasised to EU Ambassador Michael Miller the importance of holding the next national polls within this year to restore the democratic process in Bangladesh.
Speaking at a press briefing following the EU envoy’s meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, senior BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury outlined the discussions on critical issues, particularly the timing of the election, the party’s stance, and proposed reforms.
“We conveyed that holding the election within this year is vital,” said Khosru, a member of the BNP Standing Committee.
He stressed that the interim government’s primary responsibility should be to organise the national election and facilitate a transition to an elected government, thereby sustaining democratic governance in Bangladesh.
Khosru argued that a nation cannot prosper under an undemocratic system, as such governments lack political legitimacy, public connection, and the capacity to govern effectively.
He added that undemocratic regimes suppress public opinion and feedback. “It is essential to return to a democratic process without delay,” he stated.
The EU envoy met with BNP leaders, including Fakhrul, Khosru, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Shama Obed, at approximately 3:30 PM, with the discussions lasting for an hour.
Khosru mentioned that the BNP expressed its readiness to immediately implement agreed-upon reforms. He explained that proposed reforms requiring further consensus would be presented to the public during the election campaign, seeking their mandate.
The party receiving public support will then table these reforms in Parliament for deliberation and approval.
The discussions also touched on economic issues, given the EU’s substantial economic ties with Bangladesh.
Khosru assured that if the BNP assumes power, it will introduce effective economic measures to revitalise the economy while supporting beneficial initiatives introduced by the current government.
He further noted the EU envoy’s mention of European investors’ interest in Bangladesh, which the BNP welcomed as a positive development.