BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Sunday (October 12) that voters prefer direct elections, while the push for proportional representation comes from a few parties, not the reform commission.

Addressing a memorial meeting organised by the Nationalist Like-minded Alliance at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, he said the interim authorities were tasked with quickly restoring a democratic environment after the departure of a 15-year “fascist” government. 

Mirza Fakhrul said that Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus had formed a reform commission and launched new initiatives, with signatures on the proposals expected on October 17. 

Fakhrul said the BNP has consistently supported reforms, rejecting as “false and misleading” any suggestion to the contrary. 

He added that the party wants a national election in February, echoing what he described as public demand for an immediate vote, and urged that the current opening to “reawaken” Bangladesh and restore democracy not be lost. 

The event was chaired by Dr. Fariduzzaman Farhad, coordinator of the Like-minded Nationalist Alliance. 

SMS/