BNP not for polls right now But after minimum reforms
Staff Reporter :
The BNP on Tuesday clarified that it is not pushing for immediate national elections but instead demands polls be conducted after essential reforms have been implemented.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addressed the issue amidst criticism of the party’s call for early elections. He emphasized that their demand is for elections to be held only after completing necessary reforms.
“The BNP is not saying elections should happen right now. However, if elections are held after implementing minimum reforms, many issues will be resolved,” he stated during a discussion.
The event, titled Grantha Adda (Chatting on Books), was organized
by Zia Smriti Pathagar at the National Press Club to commemorate the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, as well as the organization’s 12th founding anniversary.
Fakhrul explained that many, particularly students, misunderstand his stance on the election issue.
“I speak about elections because, though I may not be sure whether my belief is right or wrong, I firmly believe that an elected government is always better than one that is not elected,” he said.
The BNP leader emphasized that an elected government is more accountable and accessible to the people-something he believes is currently lacking.
He added that holding elections could resolve many of the country’s ongoing problems, as an elected government would come to power with the public’s mandate.
“The current interim government has not yet found its footing because they lack the confidence to understand the people’s needs. I believe an elected government is more attuned to the language of the people,” Fakhrul remarked.
He also thanked students for their active role in advocating for societal and governance reforms. At the same time, he urged caution, advising against reckless actions that could lead to anarchy.
“We must ensure that we do not take steps that will plunge the country into chaos,” the BNP leader cautioned.
“To curb the current instability, we must proceed with patience and avoid actions that might intensify the situation and invite further peril,” he warned.
Fakhrul urged everyone to maintain patience and not lose hope, noting, “We have high expectations but very little patience.”
While acknowledging that only a few months have passed since the interim government took office, Fakhrul observed that many people have already resorted to street protests and road blockades driven by various demands.
“It’s only natural that this government, which is new to governance and politics, will make mistakes. We must give them time to learn,” he said.
Fakhrul also expressed concern over the significant decline in the quality of education in the country, attributing it to the deterioration of the education sector.
He criticized the lack of focus on education reform despite the formation of various commissions by the current government, calling education the most crucial sector.
The BNP leader opposed the lottery system for school admissions and called for its abolition in favor of a merit-based education system.