Dhaka: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today emphasized that the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) polls should precede local government elections. “We want parliament elections first,” Mirza Fakhrul stated at a press conference held at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. He was disclosing decisions from the BNP’s National Standing Committee meeting conducted on Monday evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mirza Fakhrul urged the interim government to arrange national elections by July or August of this year. He stressed the importance of an elected government for democratic progress, asserting that a mid-year election is feasible. He also called for the Election Commission and political parties to prepare for elections during this period, highlighting the national interest.
The discussions at the BNP’s meeting, chaired by acting chairman Tarique Rahman, addressed the timing of the national elections. Mirza Fakhrul mentioned the chief adviser’s statement that elections might occur by the end of the year or in mid-2026. He argued against such delays, citing the readiness of the Election Commission and existing stability in governance.
Mirza Fakhrul asserted that prolonged delays in holding elections could exacerbate political and economic crises. In response to inquiries about local government elections, he reiterated that these should not precede national elections, as the nation’s focus is on the latter.
He expressed concerns over the inability of citizens to exercise their voting rights in previous national elections, emphasizing the importance of an effective national parliament for functional democracy. BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan added that the current Union Parishads remain intact, questioning the feasibility of holding local elections.
Mirza Fakhrul pointed out that necessary electoral formalities, such as the voter list, are ready. He noted that updating this list could be completed in a month, allowing for quick progression to other electoral tasks. The Election Commission, he mentioned, has confirmed its readiness to conduct national elections, acknowledging that simultaneous local and national elections are impractical.
The BNP Secretary General concluded by underscoring the party’s commitment to reform, referencing their previous outlines such as ‘Vision-2030’ and the 31-point state reform agenda presented in 2023.