Staff Correspondent

BNP senior leader Hafizuddin Ahmed on Sunday expressed the hope that the interim government will hold the national election within the next six months.

Speaking at a discussion meeting, he also said holding the election within this timeframe is possible through discussions with political parties.

“We have many expectations from the current government. We believe that the government will gift the nation an election within the next six months," the BNP leader said.

He said their party would welcome whoever comes to power through a free, fair, and credible election.

The BNP leader said a truly democratic government will be formed through the next election which will restore people’s voting and other fundamental rights and democracy.

The event was organised by the Barishal Division Samity in Dhaka at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), marking the 35th death anniversary of MA Jalil, the sector commander of Sector 9 during the Liberation War.

Hafiz, a BNP Standing Committee member, said that students involved in the anti-discrimination movement are free to enter politics if they choose.

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"Now they can form a party in a free environment and reach out to the people by participating in the election. We will accept whoever the people choose to take the responsibility of running the state," he said.

The BNP leader said many people are now talking about state reforms. "There’s nothing wrong with reform initiatives. But reform is an ongoing process. Reforms will continue as long as Bangladesh exists."

Hafiz said that BNP, along with other democratic parties, has been struggling for the past 17 years to hold a credible national election and restore the people's right to vote.

He said the students, BNP, and other democratic parties have once again proven that Bengalis are a brave nation through the fierce July-August mass movement.

In 53 years of politics in Bangladesh, the BNP leader said no one has ever been forced to flee the country. "However, the fascist Hasina was compelled to escape amid the fierce movement against her politics of enforced disappearances and murder.”

Hafiz also recalled the contributions of MA Jalil to the Liberation War and the nation, stressing that he should receive proper recognition for his role.

The BNP leader called for Barisal Airport to be named after MA Jalil as a tribute to his significant contributions to the country.