Dhaka, Dec 22, (V7N) - Amid plans to announce new action programs, senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan stated on Saturday that the one-point demand of BNP and its allies has not yet been fully met, as democracy and people's rule through national elections have not been established.

“Our one-point demand is to end fascism and restore democracy by holding free and fair elections,” Khan said. “Part of this demand was met when fascism fell through the July-August uprising of students, workers, and the public.”

He emphasized that the BNP continues to hold rallies, discussions, and raise its voice to ensure the remaining part of their demand is met soon. Khan made these remarks after a meeting with the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote.

The BNP has been working to strengthen unity and consult with the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote regarding the upcoming general election. As part of these efforts, BNP’s liaison committee members met with leaders of the alliance at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.

When asked if the unmet demand is related to elections, Khan confirmed, saying, "That is what remains unfulfilled. While fascism has fallen, democracy has not yet been restored."

He explained that democracy will be restored when people can freely vote for their representatives and entrust them with the responsibility of governing the country in a fair and peaceful election.

Khan, a BNP Standing Committee member, reaffirmed that the party maintains strong ties and unity with its long-standing allies in the movement. He added that the BNP liaison committee had meetings with both the Samamona Jote and the 12-Party Alliance as part of their efforts to move forward together.

During the meeting, BNP leaders discussed the country's political, economic, and social situation with senior leaders from the 10 parties in the Samamona Jote. Khan mentioned that their political views align closely and that the discussion centered on their future course of action. However, no final decision was reached.

The BNP will decide on its next steps based on the feedback from various parties and alliances. Khan also emphasized that they want the Chief Adviser to present a clear election roadmap to eliminate any confusion around the process.

Samamona Jote leader Fariduzzaman Frahad said the country’s problems cannot be resolved unless a credible election is held with an elected government. He urged the government to announce a specific date for the elections, rather than delaying the process under the guise of reforms.

Frahad added that discussions were held about potential action programs to realize their demands, with the final programs to be announced later.

Additionally, BNP held its first talks with the 12-Party Alliance, followed by meetings with the Samamona Jote leaders. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman, and Vice-Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo attended these meetings.

After the meeting with the Samamona Jote, BNP leaders held another discussion with the Labour Party. A meeting with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was also planned but later rescheduled.

A BNP Standing Committee member, speaking anonymously, stated that the discussions focused on the country’s current political situation, the upcoming election, the government’s reform initiatives, and the Chief Adviser’s proposed election roadmap. The BNP aims to decide its next course of action based on suggestions from its political allies, with the goal of pressing for elections to be held as soon as possible.

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