NARSINGDI, Feb 1, 2026 (BSS) - BNP standing committee member and former minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan said the people of Bangladesh endured 17 years of repression under an oppressive government and called for restoring democracy through a free, fair and neutral election on February 12.

He made the remarks while addressing an election street meeting on Sunday night at Ward No. 8, adjacent to the South Deora Madrasa field in Charsindur Union, Palash upazila. The meeting was presided over by Ward BNP President Siddiqur Rahman. Dr. Moyeen Khan is the BNP-nominated candidate for Narsingdi-2 (Palash) in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Referring to past elections, Dr. Moyeen Khan described the 2008 election as "stage-managed," similar to the One-Eleven political crisis, aimed at depoliticizing Bangladesh.

"That oppressive government subjected the people to 17 years of repression," he said, noting that false cases and attacks were carried out against ordinary citizens, making their lives unbearable.

He claimed that fear of the police forced many to spend nights in paddy fields or in the Gazari forests of Kaliganj. Dr. Moyeen Khan also described the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections as farcical and urged voters to support the BNP's "Sheaf of Paddy" symbol on February 12. "Insha'Allah, the people of Bangladesh will benefit from it," he said.

The meeting was conducted by former Charsindur Union Chhatra Dal General Secretary Ariful Islam Arif. Other BNP leaders present included Palash Upazila Acting President Abdus Sattar, Senior Vice President Awlad Hossain Jony, General Secretary Professor Md Saiful Islam, Joint General Secretary Bahauddin Bhuiyan Milton, Organizing Secretary Abu Bakkar Siddique, Vice President Advocate Kaniz Fatema, Upazila Jubo Dal Member Secretary Bakhtiar Bhuiyan, former Chhatra Dal President Mostak Bhuiyan, Narsingdi Inter-District Truck Owners Association President Sarwar Mridha, and Ghorashal Municipality Chhatra Dal Convener Aman Ullah Aman.