Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday said it wants the election to 13th Jatiya Sangsad to be free, fair and peaceful so that citizens can exercise their voting rights without fear.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the party’s Central Election Steering Committee at BNP election office in Gulshan, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said people in Bangladesh had long been deprived of their right to vote and choose their preferred representatives.
“We hope that this time people will be able to vote freely and elect candidates of their choice. Through their votes, a government will be formed that will work for the welfare of the people,” said Nazrul, who also chairs the party’s election steering committee.
He said ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election remains BNP’s central objective and that the party is working toward that goal under the leadership of its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman.
He added that the steering committee would work accordingly and sought the full cooperation of the media.
Nazrul said that after returning to the country following 17 years abroad, Tarique Rahman repeatedly spoke about peace and reconciliation at a large public reception, which, he said, reflects the party’s commitment to a peaceful electoral process.
“BNP will play whatever role is necessary to ensure a peaceful election and the election steering committee will work with that commitment,” he said.
Recalling past movements, Nazrul said BNP has always demanded free and fair elections and expressed hope that journalists would continue to convey the party’s message to the public.
He noted that many journalists had previously been unable to speak freely but said the current situation offers an opportunity to use their experience to help fulfil people’s aspirations.
Nazrul said BNP wants to remain transparent in both its words and actions.
“We do not want to hide anything. If people understand everything clearly and still consider us suitable, they will support us,” he said, adding that a government formed with public support would be able to govern with confidence and integrity.
He stressed that BNP leaders and activists have never adopted tactics that require hiding their identity or dignity.
Responding to questions about the rejection of nomination papers, Nazrul said there was no reason to blame anyone if papers are cancelled on lawful grounds.
He acknowledged that nomination papers of some BNP candidates had also been rejected, but said objections would be raised where there is legal scope and time and decisions could change accordingly.
He also referred to previous elections in which some political parties did not participate, yet those polls were described as participatory, though he said he did not wish to make such claims now.
Nazrul explained that some parties currently face public anger and that existing laws restrict or ban the political activities of certain parties, leaving them with no legal scope to contest the election.
On allegations that a particular party is collecting voter ID cards by visiting homes, Nazrul said door-to-door campaigning is not illegal, but collecting voter ID cards or national identity cards is a serious concern.
He warned that such sensitive personal documents could be misused if collected with ill intent.
BNP urged the media to report such incidents where reliable information is available and called on the government to take necessary action.
Nazrul expressed hope that the authorities would act responsibly to protect citizens’ personal information.
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