People are prepared to vote for a democratic government, says Amir Khosru

With the call for elections growing louder, BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury says the public is ready to vote and reclaim their democratic rights.

As the BNP holds a fresh round of meetings with its political allies, party leaders say momentum is building for a return to democratic governance through an inclusive general election.

The party met separately with the Democratic Left Alliance and the Bangladesh Jono-Odhikar Party in Gulshan on Thursday to coordinate strategy following talks with the head of government earlier this month.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru and Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu hosted the discussions at the BNP chairperson’s office.

“As part of our ongoing discussions, we have met with the Democratic Left Alliance and Bangladesh Jono-Odhikar Party,” Khosru told reporters. “People are ready to vote. An election is about restoring democratic order through the people’s voting rights. It’s a matter of public ownership."

"A political party must come to power through votes, “he added. “Those who believe in democracy will naturally accept this. Votes will be cast, power will be attained.

"Only elected members will go to parliament and take office. That is democracy. I don’t see any reason why that should be difficult to understand."

Abul Kalam Azad, coordinator of the Democratic Left Alliance, and Ismail Hossain Samrat, president of the Bangladesh Jono-Odhikar Party, represented their respective parties during the meeting.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on Aug 5, 2024, the BNP raised the demand for a general election amid initiatives to reform the state.

The BNP leaders met Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on Apr 16, demanding swift elections after crucial reforms.

They later voiced dissatisfaction over the outcome of that meeting.

Then, to decide on the next steps, the BNP began discussions with its allied parties and coalitions on Apr 17.