Staff Correspondent

Stating that the new generation is eagerly waiting to exercise their right to vote, BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday hoped that people will get back their ownership of the country soon through a credible and impartial election.

“The new generation has not had the chance to vote (for a long time). They’re eager to cast their ballots. It is our moral duty to provide them with the opportunity to do so,” he said while speaking to reporters at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.

Dr Moyeen, a BNP standing committee member, along with leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, paid homage to Zia by placing wreaths at his grave, marking the 46th founding anniversary of the BNP student body.

He said reforms will continue and it will not be halted for arranging the election. “We believe that the most important reforms will be carried out, and preparations for the election will proceed through coordination. The (ownership of the country) will be returned to the people as soon as possible through a fair and neutral election.”

The BNP leader said their party has been consistently working to ensure essential reforms in administration, the police and the Election Commission.

“Reform is an ongoing process. Human civilisation has evolved through reforms, and they will never end. So, it’s not a meaningful question whether reforms should come first and election later, or election first and reforms later. Reforms will continue at all times, while elections will be held after every five years,” he said.

Dr Moyeen said the common people, all democratic parties, and student bodies, including Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, participated in the July-August movement led by students to restore democracy, protect people’s democratic and voting rights and establish a government of the people through free and fair elections.

“We look to the new generation, as they will lead the country in the future. It’s a natural progression. We have confidence in them that they will return to their classes to complete their studies, be well-educated, and be prepared to play a significant role in running the country, pursuing the path of right, fairness and truth, with people’s votes,” the BNP leader said.

He accused the Awami League’s autocratic regime of destroying democracy, stripping people of their freedom of expression, and denying their voting rights by turning Bangladesh into a fascist state over the past 15 years.

Dr Moyeen said their party had carried out a long struggle against injustice and autocracy to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

He recalled how their party's rally on October 28, 2023 at Nayapaltan was foiled by the Sheikh Hasina-led despotic regime by establishing a reign of terror.

The BNP leader said the country was finally freed from autocratic rule on August 5, 2024, as Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh like a coward in the face of the student-led movement in July and August.

He also said students have played a pivotal role in all democratic and rights movements throughout the nation’s history, including the Liberation War, since the 1952 Language Movement.