BNP urges timely national polls, end to conspiracies

Bangla Press Desk: Senior BNP leaders on Thursday called for a timely and credible national election, overcoming conspiracies to delay it, as it is essential for upholding democratic values, continuing reforms, and invigorating the economy.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that certain political parties have been trying to delay the upcoming national election, while BNP standing committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed, in separate programmes, stressed the necessity of ensuring the administration’s neutrality and collective responsibility for a free, fair and impartial national election.

Fakhrul said, "I don't want to blame any party or any person. But with frustration, I notice that some political parties are trying to delay the election, trying to make sure it is not held on time. This is not right."

"What is needed now is a political government through an election as soon as possible, because the country's economy, politics, and education, everything depends on an elected government in the coming days," he said while addressing a programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in Dhaka.

He also welcomed the interim government for taking the reform agenda forward within a short time as it was much needed for the country.

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan urged Chief Election Commission (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin to keep the controversial officials in the administration away from the electoral process to hold the next general election in a credible manner.

“The administration has been systematically built up with people from a specific political party over the past 15 years. As a result, the countrymen have been denied their voting rights in three consecutive farcical elections which were nothing but mockeries,” Moyeen Khan said while talking to reporters at the Election Commission Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka on Thursday.

Earlier, a three-member delegation met the CEC and discussed a wide range of issues, including the election.

Responding to a question, Moyeen Khan said it would not be realistic to withdraw all existing administrative officials from the election duties. Those who have acted unjustly in the past out of fear or pressure should now be encouraged to perform their duties properly in a democratic environment.

“I believe our people are inherently democratic. Once they realise the election will be free and fair, it will turn into a national celebration,” he said, adding that BNP’s engagement with the commission is not driven by the party’s or any individual’s interest, but by the national interest.

Moyeen Khan also said he requested the commission to set an example so that the countrymen, as well as the international communities, realise that Bangladesh returned to the right path of democracy through the national election.

He acknowledged the vital role of the EC in ensuring a free and fair national election and said that at least 10 lakh administrative staff, police and judicial officers would be required to peacefully conduct the polls, which will take place at over three lakh booths at around 42,000 polling centres across the country.

The biggest question now is whether this vast structure can function impartially by the commission, Moyeen Khan said.

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said the nation can only get relief when the democratic and constitutional institutions emerge as a unique force.

He said this at a seminar titled “Education and Employment in the Thoughts of Youth in 2024 Bangladesh”, organised by the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh at the Zahur Hossain Hall of the National Press Club.

Without mentioning any name, Salahuddin said a political party is seeking an opportunity to sign the July National Charter, and expressed his hope that they would do so without further delay.

BP/SP