Fakhrul says delaying the election is undemocratic and undermines the spirit of July

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday criticised efforts to delay the upcoming election, calling them undemocratic and contrary to the spirit of the July–August movement.

“People want elections without delay. We’ve said this before, and we’re repeating it—those advocating for postponement are not democratic forces, nor do they support the ideals of the July–August uprising,” Fakhrul said at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan.

He expressed optimism that the country is moving toward elections based on recent discussions in London between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

Fakhrul also alleged that a vested group is engaged in a smear campaign against the BNP.
“Certain individuals and factions are spreading baseless propaganda to tarnish the BNP’s image, but the public isn’t buying into it,” he said.

He added that the people of Bangladesh are well aware of the BNP’s legacy and contributions to the nation, and that it has always played a pivotal role in advancing democratic values.

Reiterating BNP’s commitment to the democratic process, Fakhrul said:
“BNP is a tested liberal democratic party. We seek power only through elections and the people’s mandate—not through revolution or any undemocratic means. Our record over the past 15 years proves our fight for democracy.”

He also took aim at sections of the media and some individuals for spreading what he termed misinformation about BNP’s stance on reform.
“There’s no room to question our commitment to reform. We began talking about structural reforms as early as 2016,” he noted, referencing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Vision-2030 as a starting point.

Fakhrul further highlighted the party’s subsequent 27-point and later 31-point reform agendas, which he said were shared with the public and civil society through extensive campaigns across the country.

Despite these efforts, he lamented, some are still trying to depict BNP as anti-reform.
“This is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public,” he said.

Reflecting on the party’s resilience, Fakhrul said BNP has not only endured but has grown stronger through its protracted struggle against authoritarianism.
“The blood of our martyrs, the enforced disappearances, killings, and suffering of our activists—these have only strengthened BNP’s unity,” he said.

He stated that BNP, backed by public support and decades of governance experience, is determined to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

“BNP remains at the forefront of resisting authoritarianism and fascism. Concentrating power in one person or institution breeds fascism. Conversely, weakening elected bodies undermines the state,” Fakhrul warned.

He urged all stakeholders to rise above partisan interests and seize the opportunity for change earned through years of sacrifice.
“Let us unite to build a just, inclusive, and prosperous Bangladesh—one rooted in the spirit of the Liberation War, the 1990 mass uprising, and the July–August 2024 movement,” Fakhrul concluded.

BNP Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed were also present and spoke at the briefing.