BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned the interim government, saying, “Let me be very clear — there is a conspiracy surrounding the upcoming election. The referendum and the national election must be held on the same day, and that election must take place in February 2026. The people of Bangladesh will not accept any election held after February.”
He made the remarks on Friday (7 November) in front of the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, during a rally marking the “Sipahi-Janata Solidarity Uprising” of November 7, 1975.
Calling BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman a leader of modern democratic movements, Fakhrul said Tarique had announced a 31-point reform agenda, which the interim government began implementing with the BNP’s full support. “For nearly a year, they worked on building this framework. On October 17, all parties reached consensus on several issues, and we signed those agreements.”
Fakhrul added that although the BNP did not accept some proposals and clarified its position in a conference, the situation became “suddenly confusing” when a member of the Adviser Council announced in a press briefing that political parties would be given seven days to discuss and finalize their positions. “If all parties—including our representatives—worked together in the united reform commission for months, how does this abrupt decision make sense? A large amount of money was spent, yet no political issue was resolved.”
The BNP leader said a certain political alliance has been pressuring the government to hold a referendum before the election. “We have made it clear — the referendum must take place on election day. Holding two separate votes will significantly increase costs and diminish the importance of the main election.”
He expressed disappointment that the interim government, despite receiving the BNP’s full support, is now taking steps that could “disrupt the electoral process.”
Addressing party activists, Fakhrul said, “We will participate in this election, and God willing, we will win and build a new Bangladesh. Let us honor the sacrifices of our thousands of martyred leaders and activists by moving forward with unity and ensuring our victory.”
Referendum and National Election Must Be Held on the Same Day said Fakhrul
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