The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said conspiracies are afoot surrounding the upcoming national election, attempting to either delay the election or to cancel the process altogether.
He made the remark at a discussion and book unveiling titled “Tarique Rahman: Politics and Policy” held at a hotel in Dhaka on Thursday.
Mosharraf also said some political groups that previously benefited from the regime have now left the country, and may attempt to influence events from abroad.
He mentioned that certain individuals inside the country are trying to create instability by turning non-issues into political crises.
Mosharraf stated, “There is a conspiracy centering the upcoming polls. We believe this conspiracy aims to either delay or to cancel the election. Groups from both home and abroad might be, as we have observed attempts being made to create domestic crises.”
He said that the BNP supported the interim government’s announcement that the election would be held in early February.
Mosharraf said the party welcomed this and began preparing for the vote, noting BNPs announcement of candidates for 236 constituencies.
The veteran BNP leader warned against debates over proportional representation or alternative electoral formulas, saying such discussions could create confusion.
He said, “There is no alternative to the election. The election must be held within February.”
Mosharraf said the BNP had historically supported reform efforts and had cooperated with the commission formed to discuss reforms under the interim government.
He also said the BNP demands accountability for enforced disappearances, killings, and other political repression of the last years, stating that the party itself had been among the main victims.
Another BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said Tarique Rahman played a central role in restoring democracy.
He added that Tarique emphasises inclusive politics that allows political space for both government and opposition.
Khosru then pointed out that Tarique Rahman’s foreign policy approach is based on mutual respect, mutual interest, non-interference in internal affairs, and strategic autonomy in national decision-making.
He further said Tarique Rahman’s economic philosophy calls for “economic democratisation,” meaning that the benefits of economic activity must reach all sections of society instead of being concentrated among a few.
He pointed to proposed employment programs, including the plan to create one crore jobs within 18 months, with targeted support for IT, freelancing, small artisans, and youth skill development.
Both leaders urged political parties and citizens to participate in the election and emphasised that a peaceful electoral transition is essential for restoring democratic governance.
Senior journalist and TIMES Advising Editor Elias Khan, adviser to the BNP acting chairperson Mahdi Amin, Nationalist Democratic Movement Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, among others, were present in the event.
