BNP leader Nazrul pushes one-point demand, eyes new action programmes

Amid its plan to announce fresh action programmes, senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan today (21 December) said the one-point demand of BNP and its like-minded parties has not yet been fully met, as democracy and the rule of people through the national election have not been established.

"Our one-point demand includes the fall of fascism and the establishment of democracy and the rule of people through a free and fair election. A part of our demand was met with the fall of fascism through the July-August uprising of students, workers, and the masses," he said while speaking to reporters after a meeting with Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote.

The BNP leader said they have been holding rallies, discussions and raising their voices to ensure the remaining part of their demand is met as soon as possible.

As part of their efforts to consolidate unity and seek the opinions of Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote on the next general election, BNP liaison committee members held the meeting with the alliance's leaders at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office.

As a journalist asked whether the unmet demand is the election, Nazrul replied affirmatively, saying, "That is what remains unfulfilled. Fascism has fallen, but democracy has not yet been restored."

He said democracy will be restored when people are able to entrust their elected representatives with the responsibility of running the country by exercising their right to vote in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.

Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said they maintain strong ties and unity with the parties that have long been part of their movement.

He said the BNP liaison committee held meetings with the Samamona Jote and the 12-Party Alliance as part of their ongoing efforts to move forward together in the coming days.

Nazrul said they discussed the country's overall political, economic, and social situation with senior leaders from the 10 parties under the Samamona Jote. "As we're united in the political movement, we share almost the same mindset."

He said they talked about their future course of action in light of the current situation but did not reach a final decision.

The BNP leader said they will decide on their next steps based on the opinions of different parties and alliances.

In response to a question, Nazrul said they want the Chief Adviser to present a clear election roadmap, eliminating any confusion surrounding the process.

Samamona Jote chief Fariduzzaman Frahad said the country's current problems cannot be resolved unless an elected government is formed through a credible election.

He also urged the government to announce a specific election date, rather than delaying the polls under the pretext of reforms.

Farhad said they discussed potential action programmes to realise their demands, and the final programmes would be announced later.

Meanwhile, the BNP began talks with like-minded political parties by holding its first meeting with the 12-Party Alliance leaders. Later, they held meetings with the leaders of the Samamona Jote.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman and Vice-Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo attended the meeting.

After the meeting with the Samamona Jote, the BNP leaders had another meeting with the leaders of the Labour Party.

A delegation from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was also scheduled to meet with BNP leaders today (Saturday), but the meeting has been rescheduled.

A BNP standing committee member, wishing anonymity, said they would discuss the country's latest political situation and seek the opinions of the alliance partners regarding the upcoming election, the government's reform initiatives and the chief adviser's probable election roadmap.

He said they would work out their next course of action based on the suggestions of their like-minded political parties, aiming to press for the election to be held as soon as possible.