Reforms, election process can take place simultaneously, says Fakhrul after paying tribute to Zia

It is very much possible to hold national elections in July-August and reforms will continue alongside the election process, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam today (19 January). 

"The government which will assume office after the election will continue these reforms," he said after paying tribute at the grave of former president Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, today (19 January) on the occasion of Zia's 89th birth anniversary.

"On behalf of our party, we can clearly state that we will take forward every reform. Moreover, there is no obstacle to conducting reforms and elections simultaneously," he added. 

He also said the interim government's chief adviser must promptly discuss and finalise decisions on the reports submitted by the reform commissions in consultation with political parties. 

Reflecting on the legacy of the late president Ziaur Rahman, Mirza Fakhrul said, "President Ziaur Rahman came to power through the Sipahi-Janata Revolution. During his tenure, he initiated significant reforms across all sectors to build a modern and prosperous Bangladesh. One of his primary reforms was transitioning the country from one-party rule to a multi-party democratic system. After assuming responsibility for governance, he introduced free-market economic policies to liberate the stagnant economy. Under his leadership, revolutions occurred in agriculture and industry."

Highlighting the formation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Fakhrul said, "This great leader was the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Despite facing numerous challenges, the party has established itself as the largest political party in Bangladesh today."

He further added, "After Ziaur Rahman, his successor, Khaleda Zia, took over the leadership of the party. She strengthened and organised the BNP further. Today, she is undergoing treatment in London due to illness. We all pray for her recovery. Her capable successor, her son Tarique Rahman, now serves as the acting chairman of the party. He is providing new leadership in the fight for a Bangladesh free from Hasina's fascism."

BNP pays homage to Zia on his birth anniversary

BNP paid homage to its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman on Sunday on the occasion of his 89th birth anniversary.

Thousands of BNP leaders and activists, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, placed wreaths at Zia's Sher-e-Banglanagar grave around 11:15am.

They later offered sura fateha following a special munajat seeking salvation of the departed soul of Zia.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan, Chairperson's Advisory Council Members Amanullah Aman, Zainul Abedin Farroque, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, central leaders Khairul Kabir Khokon, Abdus Salam, Kamruzzaman Ratan, Mir Sarafat Ali, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Saiful Alam Nirab, Dr Rafiqul Islam, Amirulzzaman Khan Shimul, Dhaka north city unit president Aminul Haque and south city unit president Rafiqul Alam Mojnu were, among others, present.

Leaders and activists of BNP's different units and associate bodies also placed wreaths at Zia's grave.