BNP for election-related reforms before polls, Fakhrul tells Guterres

After meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said his party has conveyed its stance on completing election-centric reforms before holding the polls as soon as possible."Reforms must be carried out, and BNP was the first to speak about this matter. But, the reforms should be implemented as quickly as possible."

The key BNP leader who is also the party's spokesperson, said, "We have said that election-related reforms should be completed first, followed by a swift election. Then, through a parliament, additional reforms can be introduced. Reform is a continuous process," he told reporters after the meeting with the UN chief, who is currently visiting Bangladesh.

In response to a question, Mirza Fakhrul said the UN Secretary-General did not comment on the reforms, as it is an internal matter of Bangladesh.

When asked whether a timeframe for elections was discussed, Fakhrul said, "There is no need for us to mention any timeframe. Reform is our internal matter. We are in communication with the reform commissions and are providing them with whatever they need. We have already held a meeting with them."

Party's Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed also attended the meeting held at the InterContinental Dhaka in Shahbagh.

Talking to reporters, Salahuddin said, "The United Nations has suggested that you sit together, decide on the necessary reforms, and hold an election that aligns with the wishes of the Bangladeshi people....they hope to see a strong democratic government in power in Bangladesh."

They are optimistic that the upcoming election will set an example for the world, he added.