BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday expressed concern that some political parties are “making serious mistakes” by attempting to delay or derail the upcoming national election, expected in early February.
Speaking at a book unveiling ceremony in Dhaka, he also accused certain groups, including social media influencers, of trying to portray BNP as a “villain” by spreading misinformation.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing efforts to delay the election or prevent it from being held on time. This is not the right approach,” Fakhrul said.
He described Bangladesh as going through a critical phase after “15 years under a fascist and monstrous regime” that he said left the economy and politics in disarray.
Fakhrul said the interim government, with cooperation from political parties, is trying to create the conditions necessary to hold the national election and restore democracy.
“A newly elected government is urgently needed to stabilise the economy, politics and education sector. The future of the nation depends on holding the election as soon as possible,” he added.
The event was organised by BNP to unveil the cover of a book titled Mahakaler Mohanayak Shaheed Zia at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. The book was edited by freedom fighter and BNP leader Abdus Salam and poet Abdul Hye Sikder.
Praising the National Consensus Commission, Fakhrul said it has already completed major reform tasks in a short period. He noted that the ongoing reforms align with BNP’s long-standing commitment to change, citing reforms proposed by Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and the 31-point agenda announced by Tarique Rahman in 2022.
Reiterating BNP’s reformist roots, he said President Zia introduced multi-party democracy and ensured press freedom, while Khaleda Zia advanced women’s education and employment.
“All major democratic reforms in Bangladesh came through BNP,” Fakhrul claimed. “Yet some people try to brand BNP as a villain, which is surprising.”
He also criticised some popular YouTubers and social media users for spreading misleading narratives about the party. “They should take responsibility for speaking the truth,” he said.
