BNP not against reforms: Nazrul Islam Khan

BNP told the Consensus Commission that the party is not against reforms but wants to utilise the opportunity that has been created for reforms.

"We have another opportunity before us, and we want to seize it. We are cooperating with this commission and this government with that expectation (in mind)," he said BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan during his opening remarks at the talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today.

He said the party is actively cooperating with the National Consensus Commission and intends to continue doing so in the interest of national reform.

"Nowhere else in the world has there been such repeated struggles for change as in Bangladesh. Another opportunity has now emerged – let's make the most of it," said the BNP leader.

"We are cooperating with this commission and this government with that expectation in mind," he added.

A five-member BNP delegation joined the meeting, including Standing Committee members Jamiruddin Sircar, Nazrul Islam Khan, and Salahuddin Ahmed; BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council Member Ismail Zabihullah; and former Supreme Court Bar Association Secretary Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal.

The talks began at 10:35am with the commission's Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz presiding.

Nazrul highlighted BNP's longstanding commitment to reforms, pointing out that the party introduced major political reforms in the country, including parliamentary democracy, the multi-party system, and the caretaker government framework.

"As far as we know, no other party has introduced more reforms than BNP. So, BNP is not against reforms – it is a reform-oriented party."

He also cited former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Vision 2030 as an example of BNP's proactive stance on reform. "Even when no one else spoke of reform, Begum Zia laid out a vision for the future," he said.

Referring to BNP's 31-point reform proposal, Nazrul said the party's agenda encompasses all major aspects of state reform.

"If there are better ideas for the people's benefit, we are open to them. Everything must be done with the people's consent, keeping them at the centre. And we know through whom the people give their consent."

Nazrul described reform as a continuous process and urged that it be implemented swiftly. "Let's not take so much time that people's desire for change fades away. The process of improvement must continue."

The dialogue is part of a series of consultations the National Consensus Commission has been holding with political parties to build national agreement on key state reform initiatives launched by the interim government.

Since its formation on 15 February 2025 under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the commission has compiled recommendations from five separate commissions covering constitutional, public administration, electoral system, judiciary, and anti-corruption reforms.

These recommendations have been shared with 39 political parties, of which 34 have so far responded. The commission plans to conclude its first round of talks by early May and begin the second round mid-May, aiming to reach national consensus by mid-July.

Earlier in the day, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir led another delegation to meet Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. However, the party expressed dissatisfaction with the meeting's outcome, as the chief adviser did not provide a clear timeline for the next general election.