National election only way to restore democracy: Khosru

“There is no other way but an election to return democratic, political and constitutional rights to people. The two leaders (Chief Adviser and BNP Acting Chairman) agreed on this issue during the London meeting,” he said.

Khosru, who accompanied BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the Dorchester Hotel in London, made the remarks while speaking to reporters outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from London in the morning.

Asked about the criticisms made by Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and the National Citizen Party (NCP) opposing the joint statement issued after the meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique on Friday, he said, "I do believe if we truly believe in democracy, then everyone should have the opportunity to express their opinion.”

“So, everyone has the right to share their views. I think this is one of the greatest strengths of our democracy — that everyone can voice their own opinion. We must move forward keeping that in mind," the BNP leader said.

Emphasising the urgency of the election, he said people in Bangladesh have not been able to vote freely over the past two decades. “The younger generation has never experienced voting. That’s why they want a democratic transition through an election as soon as possible.”

The BNP leader expressed the hope that the country will move forward on the path of democracy, as people have made huge sacrifices and carried out a long struggle to restore it.

In response to a question on reforms and the trial process of fascist elements, Khosru said reforms depend on consensus and are part of an ongoing process. “Reforms will not end before the election and will continue even after it.”

Speaking about the trial of fascists, he said it is also an ongoing process and depends on the judiciary. “The judiciary will carry out the trials, and efforts are being made to bring the accused under legal proceedings. There are roughly six more months to bring them under trial, and if that is not completed within this period, the next elected government will take responsibility.”

On political consensus, the BNP leader said the more decisions are taken through mutual understanding among political parties, the better it is for the nation, reports UNB. 

"It is because of our consensus that we have been able to remove the autocratic and fascist regime. So, we will try to make decisions based on consensus wherever possible," he said.

On the possible timing of the election, Khosru said BNP has no major objection if the election is held in February. “We have always favoured holding the election as early as possible. If the timeline shifts from December to February, it’s not a big matter. What matters most is making decisions through consensus.”