BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused the Council of Advisers – the interim cabinet of Bangladesh – of acting with partiality and undermining democratic norms ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections.
Speaking as chief guest at a memorial service for late BNP standing committee member and former minister Tariqul Islam at Jashore Town Hall Maidan on Thursday evening, Fakhrul condemned what he described as the Council’s “unilateral and biased” approach to political reform.
“We were given seven days to respond – but political parties are not toys to be manipulated,” he said. “We participated fully in the Reform Commission. We offered our views, contributed to consensus, and now we expect those agreed-upon issues to be acted upon. Issues left unresolved must be settled by the next elected parliament – not sidelined by an interim body.”
Fakhrul warned the Council against marginalising the BNP, asserting: “We are not a floating party. Do not underestimate us. If we enter the field, the political landscape changes – and you will be held accountable.”
He iterated the BNP’s position that any referendum on constitutional reform must be held on the same day as the general election – not before – and called for immediate announcement of the electoral schedule.
“Start from where we agreed. Finalise the rest in parliament. Announce the date. Hold the elections. Otherwise, you will fail – and the people will hold you responsible,” he said.
Addressing the interim leadership directly, he urged: “We gained independence at the cost of immense bloodshed. After 24 years of struggle, we stand at the threshold of restoring true democracy. Do not muddy these waters. Do not try to destabilise this nation.”
Fakhrul paid heartfelt tribute to the late Tariqul Islam, recalling his lifelong commitment to justice and democracy. “He could not bear to witness the fall of fascism. With his passing, the nation has lost an institution – a leader who endured imprisonment, torture, and oppression, yet never abandoned the people. Such leaders are not born again and again. His biography must be written – so the next generation may learn from his courage.”
The solemn event, chaired by Jessore District BNP President Syed Saberul Haque Sabu, was also addressed by BNP Central Deputy Secretary for Religious Affairs Amlendu Das Apu, the party’s former Information Secretary Mofiqul Hasan Tripti, Krishak Dal Central Joint Secretary Engineer TS Ayub, Jhikargachha Thana BNP President Sabira Nazmul Munni, and former Chhatra Dal President Kazi Rawnkul Islam Shraban.
The gathering underscored the BNP’s resolve to remain a central force in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic future and its refusal to be sidelined in the transition process.