BNP welcomes election schedule as 'new chapter' in Bangladesh politics

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the announced schedule for the 13th national election on 12 February is a new chapter in Bangladesh's political arena.

"The schedule proves Bangladesh has begun its journey toward a desired democracy – a democracy for which the people of the country have risked their lives in struggle and sacrifice for more than one and a half decades," he said in an immediate reaction to CEC AMM Nasir Uddin's televised announcement this evening (11 December).

Speaking to The Business Standard over the phone, Fakhrul expressed hope that all pro-democracy parties will participate in the upcoming election. 

He added that voting will be held in a peaceful environment, and that the election will be impartial and acceptable.

He also said the BNP has never had any doubts regarding the election. 

The party has always maintained that elections are the only way to overcome the crisis. Now that the formal process has begun, Fakhrul said, the BNP welcomes the announced election schedule.

Fakhrul also addressed reporters at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office where he said the election schedule has reassured the BNP, and through the announcement, it was proven that the Election Commission, the government, and political parties want to hold the election.

"They want to implement the people's right to vote and ensure it. We are broadly satisfied with the schedule announced for the election," he said.

He added that the election and the referendum are undoubtedly highly significant events in Bangladesh's political history. 

"It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to conduct and organise the events properly. Our expectation is that the Election Commission will hold the election completely impartially, fairly, freely, and acceptably. All political parties and candidates, being aware of their responsibility, will turn this election into a festive one," he said.

Mirza Fakhrul noted that over the past 15 years, elections in this country have been a farce and democracy has been undermined. 

"So today, another opportunity has arisen. Through the [July 2024] uprising of students and the public, and through a new election, we will be able to form a representative parliament of the people. This election will mark the beginning of a new horizon in Bangladesh's democratic history," he said.

Responding to a question about whether there might be any problems with giving a single answer to the four questions in the referendum, Fakhrul said, "There will definitely be some issues. There is no doubt about that. If everyone works on these matters, we will be able to overcome them."

When asked whether the BNP plans to campaign regarding the referendum, he said, "That will be our party's decision. We will discuss internally and then approach voters."