BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has demanded immediate electoral reforms alongside a prompt election under an interim government.
"Interim government must swiftly enact these reforms to facilitate a free and fair election, ensuring that power returns to the people," he said speaking at a press conference at the party chief's Gulshan office on Sunday (15 September).
Fakhrul criticised certain factions for obstructing the process and remarked that some influential political leaders are making statements that undermine overall unity, reflecting a persistent issue with the current administration's failure to shed its authoritarian tendencies.
He further emphasised the necessity of unity and patience among all parties, urging support for the government's progress while condemning those creating unrest in industries as supporters of fascism.
Regarding recent attacks on religious minorities, Fakhrul dismissed the claims as baseless, asserting that the attacks were politically motivated and not substantiated by Indian journalists who investigated the incidents.
When questioned about whether reforms should be implemented by the interim or the subsequent government, he clarified that essential reforms—such as those involving the Election Commission, administration, and law enforcement—must occur before the elections. Other reforms could be addressed by the elected government.
Fakhrul stressed that the election should be prioritised, as it should not take more than two months to reform the Election Commission.
Addressing the notion that BNP and Awami League are two sides of the same coin, Fakhrul labelled it as deliberate propaganda by those seeking personal gain, asserting that the Awami League is not a democratic party.
In contrast, he highlighted that the BNP has been pivotal in transforming Bangladesh from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy since 1975.
Fakhrul also reflected on the party's enduring struggle for democracy, noting that, up until 2023, 155 BNP activists were killed, 700 were subjected to forced disappearance, and 60 lakh activists faced charges in 1.5 lakh cases, marking the party's unwavering contribution to Bangladesh's second liberation struggle.
