BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is neither south nor north centrist, but is instead a centrist and pro-Bangladesh political force.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Dhaka’s Gulshan on Thursday, Salahuddin emphasized that BNP is a party of the people.
While ideological differences exist among political parties, BNP is working to create a space where all parties can come together for the sake of national interest, he said.
As part of this inclusive approach, BNP is engaging in dialogue with all political perspectives.
Reflecting on the current government, Salahuddin said public expectations were high and while some progress was made despite numerous challenges, much more could have been achieved.
He criticized the government’s failure to take timely and necessary actions, especially in matters of law and order.
Describing a recent letter sent to Election Commission as the most significant step in the past year, Salahuddin said the nation had long awaited such action.
He noted that there has been some progress in terms of reform and justice and BNP is satisfied with those developments. He also expressed the party’s willingness to support the Chief Advisor’s vision for national progress.
Salahuddin stressed the need for swift enactment of laws to ensure proper election management. He added that constitutional reforms related to elections must be carried out by an elected government.
Although structural reforms within the police force may not be possible overnight, they should remain involved in the electoral process, he said; but added that the military would play the central role.
“People want a free and fair election,” he said. “Where there is such a demand, the role of law enforcement becomes secondary due to the mindset of both the voters and candidates.”
On the topic of alliances, Salahuddin mentioned that BNP is open to forming coalitions with like-minded parties until the election schedule is announced.
However, he clarified that no final decision on alliances has been made yet.
