Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the general secretary of the Bangladesh National Party led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, believes the Bangladesh army will stay out of politics.
In a week of rapid changes in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina was removed, there was a lot of violence, and an interim government was set up. The chief justice agreed to step down, but the election date is still unknown. One thing is clear: the BNP, led by Khaleda Zia, will be important in the upcoming elections.
The exact timing of the next elections in Bangladesh remains uncertain. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who has recently become the head of an interim government, is popular among those who pushed for Sheikh Hasina’s removal. However, the BNP, led by Khaleda Zia, is ready for elections but notes that significant reforms are needed in the election system to ensure fairness. Khaleda Zia, who was released from prison, is currently hospitalized with serious health issues, making it unclear when she might be fit to run in the elections.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir of the BNP stated that while the party is prepared for elections at any time, the interim government would require more time to organize them properly. He criticized the current election machinery as corrupted and incapable of conducting free and fair elections without reforms. Alamgir also dismissed claims by Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, that Hasina was coerced into resigning. He explained that Hasina had two options: face a large, threatening crowd or leave the country, and she chose to leave.
Regarding the relationship with India, Alamgir assured that the BNP would maintain and seek to improve ties with its neighbor if they come to power. Addressing concerns about attacks on minorities such as Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, he argued that while there may have been sporadic incidents, these were not part of a systematic or political agenda, and communal harmony in Bangladesh remains strong.
Alamgir confirmed that the United Nations has been asked to investigate any human rights violations or abuses by the previous government. He also expressed confidence that the army would not interfere in the political process, as the public trusts the army to act in the country’s best interests. Lastly, he reassured that extremist groups were not involved in the protests against Hasina’s rule, attributing the movement to student leaders and progressive elements.
