The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has welcomed both the July Declaration and the announcement of parliamentary elections in February 2026, calling them significant steps toward democratic restoration and national unity.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed while talking to media at 9 pm on Tuesday outside the party chief’s office in Gulshan hailed the day as a milestone in Bangladesh’s journey from authoritarian rule to democratic renewal.
“Today is August 5, 2025 – one year to the day since we were freed from fascism,” Salahuddin said.
“This fascist-free Bangladesh was won through the blood of thousands of students and the relentless struggle of the people over the past 16 years. I pay my deepest respects to all those who sacrificed for the rights of the Bangladeshi people.”
He offered condolences to the families of those martyred, injured, or permanently scarred during the July-August 2024 student-led uprising, calling their sacrifice the foundation of the nation’s new beginning.
Salahuddin noted that the BNP had been actively engaged in the reform process, participating in discussions with the National Consensus Commission.
“We have worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people and the reform of Bangladesh’s state structure,” he said. “Through dialogue, we have reached a consensus on the kind of reformed state system our country needs.”
He expressed hope that the July Charter, the outcome of these negotiations, would soon be formally signed, with all parties committing to its implementation.
“This will allow us to uphold the anti-fascist national unity forged during the uprising and transform it into a lasting national strength,” he added.
The BNP leader welcomed two key announcements made by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday: the reading of the July Declaration and the setting of February 2026 as the election month.
“We welcome both decisions,” Salahuddin said. “They bring clarity, direction, and renewed hope.”
He affirmed the party’s commitment to ensuring that the July Declaration is enshrined in the constitution and that the martyrs of the July uprising are recognised as national heroes.
“We pledge state support and legal protection for the injured and affected,” he said. “Just as the nation gave everything, we too will give everything to honour their sacrifice.”
On the election timeline, Salahuddin said the Chief Adviser’s directive to the Election Commission to hold polls before Ramadan in February 2026 had dispelled lingering doubts.
“The entire nation was waiting for this announcement,” he said. “Today, the uncertainty surrounding the election schedule has ended.”
He expressed confidence that the upcoming polls could become “the fairest, most impartial, and most praised election in the world, Insha Allah,” provided all stakeholders prepare seriously and act responsibly.
In response to a question on whether political stability and law and order concerns have now been resolved, Salahuddin said: “We believe this announcement will bring greater political stability, reduce uncertainty, and revitalise business, investment, and public confidence. This is the beginning of a new momentum for the nation.”