Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has reiterated the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh hinges on free and fair elections, noting that Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus’s address to the nation can generate “differing opinions”.

On Thursday, the BNP Secretary General said “the sooner the elections are held, the better it will be for the country”.

“These elections have already been announced for February 2026. Through this process, a parliament representing the people will be formed. That parliament can discuss all unresolved issues affecting the citizens and chart a clear and decisive path forward.”

Referring to the chief advisor’s address to the nation on Thursday, Fakhrul said: “Many may feel that today’s speech is acceptable to everyone, but even here, differing views can exist. Dissent is inevitable. Not everyone will agree.”

He added, “The state ultimately belongs to the people. Parliament represents them. For intellectuals, more time is sometimes allocated in discussions, while politicians get only a few minutes. We must consider how acceptable this appears to the people.”

Fakhrul emphasised the need to practise democracy, reflecting on Bangladesh’s history: “We are a nation that has repeatedly sacrificed lives for democracy.

“We have struggled, yet opportunities to practise it have been limited. I pay tribute to those martyred in the July Uprising; they have given us a chance to institutionalise democracy.”

Sharing observations from his recent visit to his electoral area in Thakurgaon, he said: “I want to stress that proportional representation is still not understood by ordinary citizens. No matter how much we try to impose it from rooms in Dhaka, it will not work. PR remains incomprehensible to the people.”

Outlining BNP’s post-election vision, he said: “We have proposed forming a government with all parties and forces that have fought together against ‘fascism’. This demonstrates our commitment to uniting the nation and moving forward together.”