Tarique emphasizes free and fair elections in talks with EU delegation

A delegation from the European Union (EU) on Tuesday night met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss matters related to ensuring a free, fair and credible upcoming national parliamentary election in Bangladesh.

The meeting, which lasted for more than an hour and a half, was held at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. The EU delegation was led by European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller.

Discussions during the meeting centred on the 13th National Parliamentary Election, BNP’s position and expectations regarding the polls, and the overall state of workers’ rights in the country.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Jabiullah, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, and adviser to the acting chairman Mahdi Amin were present alongside Tarique Rahman.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Nazrul Islam Khan said the EU delegation met with Tarique as the European Union plans to deploy a large election observation mission for the upcoming polls.

Describing the talks as “positive and fruitful,” he said the EU representatives sought to understand how the election is expected to be conducted, BNP’s role in the process, and the party’s vision for national development following the election.

Nazrul said Tarique reiterated BNP’s long-standing demand that the election be held as soon as possible and on schedule, ensuring it remains peaceful, free and fair.

He added that Tarique reaffirmed BNP’s firm commitment to a credible election, noting that people in Bangladesh have long been deprived of the opportunity to participate freely in elections and cast their votes.

“Tarique said people are eagerly awaiting a peaceful election where they can freely participate and express their aspirations through voting,” Nazrul quoted him as saying.

According to Nazrul, BNP is preparing to actively take part in the polls and has already undertaken the necessary organisational preparations.

Gratitude to the European Union

Nazrul said Tarique expressed appreciation for the EU’s cooperation in Bangladesh’s development and requested enhanced engagement in the future so that the country’s people can benefit further.

He added that the EU representatives assured continued and increased cooperation with Bangladesh in the coming days.

During the meeting, the EU delegation also raised concerns about labour rights. In response, Tarique said BNP-led governments have historically played a leading role in safeguarding workers’ welfare.

Nazrul noted that during the tenure of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, key initiatives were taken, including reforms related to labour courts and the establishment of the Labour Welfare Foundation.

He said BNP remains committed not only to protecting existing labour law reforms but also to advancing them further.

Call for Peaceful Elections

Replying to a question, Nazrul said BNP wants the election to be free, fair and peaceful, adding that “peace” and “reconciliation” were the key themes emphasised by Tarique during his first rally after returning from abroad.

Nazrul also pointed out that the European Union did not deploy election observers in recent polls.

“This time, they are sending a large observation mission because they believe the election will be free, fair and peaceful, and that people’s aspirations will be reflected,” he said, adding that BNP sees this as a sign of EU support for a government formed through a credible election.

Election Environment ‘Good’

Responding to another query, Nazrul said the current election environment is positive. “Alhamdulillah, the environment is good. So what more is there to say?” he remarked.

He also stressed that the election is an internal matter for Bangladesh, questioning why external opinions should be given undue importance.

This was the first meeting between Tarique Rahman and a foreign delegation at the party office since his return to the country on December 25.