BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir pressed for urgent national elections, arguing that stability hinges on handing power to an elected government.
Speaking at an iftar mahfil hosted by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at the National Press Club on Sunday, March 16, he framed speed as critical to reform and recovery.
“BNP is committed to reforms—we laid out 31 points years ago when no one else dared,” Fakhrul said, nodding to parallels with current proposals.
“Today’s headlines—murders, rapes—torment us. Our youth, especially students, are restless, and institutions are hitting the streets with demands. Patience is key, but action can’t wait.”
Fakhrul appealed to interim government head Dr Muhammad Yunus: “Make the essential reforms fast and move to elections. History shows delays embolden fascists, extremists, and militants to derail pro-Bangladesh forces.”
He warned that procrastination risks reviving dark currents, urging, “The sooner elected leaders take charge, the sooner we can stabilise and reform together.”
The iftar drew a chorus of leaders: Jamaat’s Mia Golam Parwar, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Poet Abdul Hye Shikder, BFUJ Acting President Obaidur Rahman Shahin, Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury, DUJ President Shahidul Islam, and General Secretary Khurshid Alam. AB Party’s Mujibur Rahman Manju, Kamal Uddin Sabuj, Ilyas Khan, and others joined, amplifying the call for a democratic reset.