BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia will participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections, the party’s Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu announced in a significant political development on Wednesday.
Mintu made this statement during a discussion on flood control, drainage, and irrigation projects in Feni.
Replying to questions from journalists about the election timeline, the BNP leader suggested that the elections, initially expected in February, could be brought forward to January or even December, depending on developments regarding the caretaker government.
“There is an ongoing case in the Supreme Court regarding the caretaker government. If it is established, elections will be held within 90 days. If the elections take place in December, our leader Khaleda Zia will certainly participate,” Mintu said.
He stressed the importance of a democratically elected government for the nation’s progress, saying, “Without an elected government for one or two decades, there will be no economic development or improvement in the welfare of the people. A government that is not accountable will never serve the people’s best interests.”
Mintu further highlighted BNP’s long-standing call for free and fair elections. “Since 2006, we have been demanding elections. For 19 years, we have been fighting for a fair electoral process,” he remarked.
He noted a meeting between BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and the chief adviser on June 13 this year and referenced a joint statement in which the head of the interim government assured that elections would take place in February 2025.
Mintu expressed confidence in the process and emphasised the party’s desire for a prompt election.
Mintu’s statement highlights the party’s readiness to contest and its commitment to restoring democracy in Bangladesh.