BNP's Fakhrul Wishes to See Awami League & Jatiya Party Participating in National Election

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for a transparent and unrestricted national parliamentary election where all parties, including the Awami League and Jatiya Party, can participate freely, warning that excluding them would repeat past authoritarian errors.

In an interview with Kolkata-based Bengali daily Ei Somoy published on Monday (22nd September), Fakhrul emphasized, "Let there be a fair and unobstructed vote where all parties can join." Responding to queries on the potential involvement of the former ruling Awami League and its allies, he stated, "We've said the Awami League and their partners, even the Jatiya Party, should contest the elections. A fair vote must happen." He shrugged off criticisms labeling him an "Indian agent" or "Awami broker," adding, "Why should we repeat Sheikh Hasina's misdeeds? She barred the opposition from contests for 15 years and faced the consequences. If we do the same, we'll pay the price too. But after witnessing so much bloodshed and loss, people remain resentful toward the Awami League."

On Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's reported demand for 50 seats, Fakhrul clarified it was actually 30, saying, "We didn't show much enthusiasm and proposed a much lower number, which didn't satisfy them. I assure you, we won't let Jamaat dominate us again. We've given them undue importance—PR and TR are just pressure tactics on BNP." He noted Jamaat is preparing by announcing candidates in various constituencies, but stressed, "The nation overwhelmingly wants elections. The army does too, as does Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus."

Addressing India's potential role, Fakhrul acknowledged its Liberation War support, sheltering a million refugees, and geographical proximity. "India's influence is inevitable, surrounding us on three sides with the sea on the fourth. The issue is India's rulers equated Bangladesh solely with the Awami League, merging BNP and Jamaat in their view based on AL's narrative. But our politics differ—we're a secular, centrist democratic party, still battling anti-liberation forces to safeguard the Liberation War Constitution, alongside leftists."

Fakhrul's inclusive stance aligns with broader calls for democratic restoration, as the interim government targets polls by mid-2026 amid debates on reforms and participation.