BNP seeks competitive, participatory election

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:25 AM

BNP seeks competitive, participatory election

Bangla Press Desk: The country’s major political party, BNP, has resolved to pursue a solution to the ongoing crisis over the next elections and state reform through dialogue and compromise, aiming for a competitive parliamentary election with the participation of all eligible political parties. BNP sources said the party’s standing committee, in a meeting on Monday night, discussed the July Charter, its implementation, the demands of several political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, ahead of the next parliamentary election, and the party’s strategy in the current situation. The meeting, chaired by BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, saw party policymakers decide to seek an understanding with other political parties to resolve the crisis surrounding the July Charter and state reform as the election approaches, according to sources. A senior party leader, wishing to remain anonymous, told the Daily Sun that the party is also closely monitoring the activities of groups including Jamaat, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) to gauge their intentions.

“We will offer maximum concessions to ensure a parliamentary election with the participation of the largest number of political parties. But if we are cornered, we will not hesitate to respond firmly to any party attempting to undermine the democratic transition,” he added. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters that only elections can resolve the country’s crisis. “There is no alternative to national elections for political and economic freedom. The people of the country want elections, and the only way to resolve the crisis is through prompt elections,” he said at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Tuesday, after returning from Thailand. He added that BNP does not support a proportional representation (PR) electoral system. “Those who oppose reform, that is their party’s internal matter.”

Commenting on the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, he said, “We expect the elections to be fair, participatory, and transparent.” BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said there is no uncertainty about holding the next parliamentary election in February. “The elections will take place in the first half of February. BNP has no doubt about this. Those claiming otherwise are merely trying to exert pressure on various parties,” he said at his Gulshan residence in Dhaka on Tuesday. He noted that both the chief adviser of the interim government and the Election Commission have confirmed the elections will be held in February, with preparations in their final stages.

Salahuddin stressed that parliament should play a central role in approving the July Charter, and that constitutional amendments or major decisions cannot be made without parliamentary approval. “Only issues on which there is broad consensus will gain legitimacy if brought before parliament,” he added. Asked about the legal basis of the July Charter, he said, “We will clarify that in due course.” Salahuddin confirmed that BNP will implement all promises outlined in the July Charter. “This charter is based on democracy and national consensus. BNP will not obstruct the implementation of agreed-upon issues. We want the July Charter to be finalised, signed, and executed through dialogue and compromise.” Another BNP standing committee member, Nazrul Islam Khan, alleged that some actors are attempting to delay the forthcoming parliamentary election. “An election is imminent, and some may be trying to postpone it. But we must go to the people. We have to uphold our party’s credibility; only then can we work for the welfare of citizens,” he said at a discussion hosted by the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Referring to the changed political landscape following last year’s mass uprising, Nazrul Islam Khan urged party members to act with greater honesty, dedication, and seriousness. “Only then will we be able to play a role in reshaping Bangladesh’s political history in the coming years,” he added. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called on the Election Commission to cancel polling stations created for political reasons during the previous Awami League government. “Polling centres set up for political purposes must be annulled. The Election Commission should establish new centres based on the actual population distribution. This is both our expectation and our demand,” he said after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at his grave. Rizvi said a neutral and credible election is essential to restoring public trust in the electoral process. “If the Election Commission responds to the demands of the people and democratic political parties, voters will feel confident attending polling stations safely,” he added, urging the commission to create an environment where citizens can vote freely and without fear or favour. This article was originally published on Daily Sun.

[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]

BNP seeks competitive, participatory election

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