Engineer Ishraque Hossain, special assistant to the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Committee on Foreign Affairs, has said the BNP has taken to the streets ahead of the national polls solely to deliver on the promises it made to the public.
Ishraque, also the party’s nominated candidate for Dhaka-6, pointed out that no reform in the country can be sustainable without an elected government, adding that reforms may be a continuous process, but elections cannot be halted.
Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of a newly constructed fountain at the city’s Mill Barracks Zero Point on Friday, organised by Ward-46 BNP and its associate bodies, he said the BNP’s commitments to the people are at the centre of its political struggle.
Ishraque added that multiparty democracy in Bangladesh was established by late president Ziaur Rahman, while parliamentary democracy was strengthened under Begum Khaleda Zia.
He alleged that the state had been deliberately divided over the past 17 years through fascist rule, exploiting people by branding them as either “pro-Liberation” or “anti-Liberation.” He said citizens had now risen against this politics of division.
Ishraque said the 2024 mass uprising was a struggle to restore democracy.
Referring to the deaths of more than 1,500 students and civilians in a single month, he said their sacrifices must not go in vain, and that an inclusive, fair and acceptable national election was the only path to restoring democracy.
Expressing optimism about the election timetable announced by the current interim government, Ishraque said conspiracies to delay the election were still underway, but the people would stand by the BNP if the party remained united.
He also said demands for introducing a proportional representation (PR) system were unrealistic, arguing that such a system would deprive local voters of the chance to choose their true representative.
On the issue of enforced disappearances, killings and persecution targeting BNP members, Ishraque said the party sought justice for the disappearances and deaths of many leaders and activists, including Ilias Ali.
However, he said such justice must come through neutral and fair mechanisms, not through vengeance.
Ishraque mentioned the critical illness of Begum Khaleda Zia, saying she is currently in the CCU, and appealed to the nation to pray for her recovery.
Praising the leadership of acting chairman Tarique Rahman, he said it was this unwavering leadership that made the fall of autocracy during the mass uprising possible.
Addressing local residents, Ishraque said he seeks one chance in the upcoming polls as their own son, adding that if he failed to deliver, they would judge him in the next election.
The BNP leader pointed out that public support remained his greatest strength. Local BNP leaders and activists were present at the event.
