People won’t accept election after February : Fakhrul

He issued the warning while addressing a pre-rally gathering in front of the BNP central office in Nayapaltan on Friday (November 7).

Mirza Fakhrul said, “I want to make it very clear — there is a conspiracy surrounding the upcoming election. The national election and the referendum must be held on the same day in February 2026. Otherwise, the people of Bangladesh will reject it outright.”

Referring to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman as the leader of the modern democratic movement, Fakhrul said Tarique had earlier announced a 31-point reform agenda. “When the interim government began implementing those reforms, we extended our full support. For almost a year, they worked on establishing this foundation. On October 17, all parties reached a consensus and signed the agreed points,” he added.

Explaining internal disagreements, Fakhrul stated, “After the conference, we clarified which issues we could not accept. Later, an advisory council member unexpectedly held a press conference and declared that political parties would be given seven days to discuss and decide. But this decision bypassed the unified commission that included representatives from all political parties. Despite significant spending, none of the political issues were resolved.”

Accusing a political alliance of creating unnecessary pressure by demanding a referendum before the election, the BNP leader said, “We have clearly stated that the referendum should take place on the same day as the national election. Holding two separate votes would be costly and would undermine the importance of the main election. Unfortunately, the interim government, which we had fully supported, is now taking steps that are obstructing the election process.”

Expressing optimism, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We will take part in this election, and, Insha’Allah, we will win and build a new Bangladesh.”

Calling upon the youth, he added, “Let us move forward, honoring the sacrifices of our martyrs and the thousands of leaders and activists who gave their lives. Together, we will ensure victory.”