No hurdle to elections, awaiting government decision: BNP’s Nazrul Islam Khan
Nazrul Islam Khan said that under BNP’s leadership, opposition parties had been engaged in a 16-year-long struggle to restore democracy.
BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan has said that there is currently no obstacle to holding national elections and expressed hope that the government will soon announce its position on the matter.
"The reform proposals are being discussed by the consensus commission and are now at a final stage. Opinions have also been given on the draft of the July Charter, which we hope will be published soon. Therefore, we do not believe there is any obstacle to the elections. We hope the government will provide direction regarding the elections soon," he said today (1 August).
He made the remarks after visiting the graves of former Hefazat-e-Islam leaders Shah Ahmad Shafi and Junaid Babunagari at Al Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Ulum Moinul Islam Madrasa in Hathazari, Chattogram.
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BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed accompanied him during the visit.
Nazrul Islam Khan said that under BNP's leadership, opposition parties had been engaged in a 16-year-long struggle to restore democracy.
"During this time, despite facing the most martyrdoms, extrajudicial killings, and attacks, BNP has continued this struggle with everyone. A part of our demands has been fulfilled through this long movement and the July-August mass uprising. Bangladesh has been freed from fascism. But one of our key demands, the full re-establishment of democracy, remains incomplete," he said.
He added, "We have come to this historic religious institution to seek blessings, advice, and cooperation from our elders. We told them that Shaheed Zia worked with everyone's advice. Begum Khaleda Zia also worked with everyone's advice. If BNP is given the responsibility to govern in the future, it wants to serve the people based on collective consultation."
The BNP leader further stated that the party had played a key role in restoring democracy in the past.
"After Baksal, democracy returned through BNP. BNP also led the movement to end Ershad's autocratic rule. This time too, BNP is leading the fight for democracy."
Earlier in the day, Nazrul Islam Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed visited Hefazat-e-Islam leaders at two Qawmi madrasas — Hathazari Darul Ulum Madrasa in Chattogram and Al Jamiatul Islamia Azizul Ulum Madrasa in Fatikchhari.
According to BNP's Media Cell, the visits were made on behalf of party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
