Staff Reporter :
In a message aimed at the Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged the globally respected economist to guard his public respect and reputation as he leads the interim government toward facilitating the country’s next elections.
Speaking at the foundation anniversary of the National People’s Party (NPP) at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, Fakhrul expressed his optimism that the Search Committee, formed to establish the Election Commission (EC), will soon set up the commission, and that the new commission will swiftly arrange the upcoming general elections.
Referring to the swift election held by former Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal’s team, Fakhrul said, “If Mr. Awal’s team could conduct elections in three months, so can this commission. All that’s required is commitment, and we believe the interim government, led by Dr. Yunus, holds no other political agenda.”
Praising Dr. Yunus as a figure cherished by the people, Fakhrul said, “The people of this country love you dearly and want to continue honoring you. I have one request: ensure that this respect remains intact.”
Fakhrul warned of the challenges still lingering in the country’s political framework. “The struggle isn’t over, conspiracies persist, and the fascists are still active. A complete transformation cannot be achieved by changing individuals alone; the entire structure needs reform, and this takes time.”
“To survive as a nation and a state, we need a transparent, inclusive election that allows citizens to express their will freely. Many lives have been lost, and countless people have fought and sacrificed for this right,” he added.
The BNP leader acknowledged the interim government’s efforts thus far, including the formation of the Search Committee to establish the Election Commission, even though there was a hope for consultations with political parties. “While we would have preferred the Search Committee to consult stakeholders, we don’t see it as a significant setback. Let the commission be formed quickly to organise the elections at the earliest.”
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s democratic journey, Fakhrul remarked that democracy had faced continual challenges since the time of Pakistan.
“Democracy is a culture; it must be nurtured. Ironically, the party that once claimed to uphold democracy-the Awami League-has strangled it at every chance.”
In closing, Fakhrul shared that the interim government itself was born out of a people-led uprising, established by student leaders and citizen activists.
“We, who were part of the movement, came together to form this government, and now we hope it will facilitate an election within a reasonable timeframe-an election that will allow the people of Bangladesh to create a new parliament. This is our expectation, and it is the wish of the people.”
The event, chaired by NPP President Fariduzzaman Farhad, included remarks from prominent political figures, including Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim, Labor Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, and NPP Secretary General Mostafizur Rahman, who also shared their hopes for a smooth electoral process in the coming months.