BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called for a quick election, urging all political parties to refrain from creating divisions or raising demands that could lead to discord.

Speaking during a public outreach programme in Thakurgaon, he said, “Do not create divisions, do not raise any demands that cause rifts. Stop protests over the national referendum and proportional representation. Let the election take place; the people of the country must be saved. Allow the people to vote quickly to save the nation.”

Mirza Fakhrul reflected on his personal struggles, saying, “I had to remain outside Thakurgaon for 15 years and spend time in prison. I was jailed 11 times and spent three and a half years behind bars. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina considered me a person to be feared, hence the repeated incarcerations.”

On the upcoming parliamentary elections, he said the system is largely democratic, where citizens elect representatives to speak on their behalf in Parliament. 

The BNP leader, however, noted that this election would be slightly different with a bicameral system, comprising a lower and an upper house. 

“In the lower house, candidates nominated by parties and elected by the people will serve, while the upper house will include representatives from the religious, academic, and minority communities, such as Hindus and Buddhists. This ensures that everyone’s voice is represented,” Fakhrul explained.

He emphasised the need for peace and harmony, stating, “We do not want politics driven by violence or division. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians should live together. BNP desires a peaceful state. The country has suffered enough from divisions; we must work in fraternity and solidarity.”

Fakhrul urged people to maintain the right mindset in choosing representatives, noting that only with such unity can the country be built beautifully. “I will vote, and everyone else should vote for the candidate of their choice. The people will get the right representative. Let there be no divisions,” he added.

Regarding the July accord, he said the signing will take place on Friday.