BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury spoke to the media after a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke at BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Photo: Video Screenshot

DHAKA, Oct 28, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today said they will work to improve the existing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and the UK.

“The relationship between Bangladesh and the UK is a long-standing one. In the future, we want to make this relationship more effective, enhance the connection between the two countries, and work on various issues, including trade, commerce, investment, and culture," he said. 

Khasru made the remarks while talking to the media after a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke at BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. 

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir led the meeting while BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP Joint Secretary General (International Affairs) Humayun Kabir and Organizing Secretary Shama Obaed were present.

Regarding the National Consensus Commission's proposal for a referendum before the general election as part of implementing the July National Charter, the BNP leader said, “This proposal might be the Commission’s, but the BNP does not agree. We have clearly stated our position: the referendum and the election will take place on the same day, using two separate ballots."

He added that there is no scope to bring up this issue again or to discuss it further. The referendum will be held on the day of the election using two separate ballots, he said, adding that there is no scope to deviate from this. This has been the BNP's position from day one, which remains unchanged and will not change in the future, he said.

Khasru said that with the election approaching, issues like the Election Commission's (EC) preparations, the EC’s activities, the BNP's preparations, and the topic of a neutral and acceptable election naturally came up. 

“We have said that the issue of the caretaker government has been discussed for more than a decade. Elections in Bangladesh are not acceptable without a caretaker government. Although there is an interim government today, it is not a partisan government. However, some people within this interim government have been questioned – not only by the BNP but also by other political parties," he said.

When asked if there was any discussion about the return of BNP's acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Khasru replied that the matter was discussed, and naturally, his return to the country is always a topic of conversation. However, not much was discussed on this specific point because when he will return to Bangladesh is his decision, he said. 

“It is clear that he (Tarique Rahman) will return to the country at the right time, very soon. The specific date will be announced by him,” Khasru said.