Photo: BSS

SYLHET, Jan 4, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the upcoming national election is vital not only for his party but for the entire nation, as people have regained their voting rights after a long deprivation.

"The next election is vital not only for the BNP but for the whole nation. People were deprived of their voting rights for a long time, and now they have regained that right," he said.

He made the remarks while exchanging views with journalists at a city hotel in the Osmani Airport area here this evening.

Earlier in the day, Mirza Fakhrul arrived in Sylhet on a personal visit and paid ziarat at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R).

The BNP Secretary General said the party would form a national government with the partners of the simultaneous movement if it comes to power through the upcoming election, clarifying that it would not be an all-party government.

Responding to questions about the election, he said BNP has no apprehension as it has been demanding an election from the beginning.

"We are hopeful about the election. The process is moving forward, and with the cooperation of all concerned, the Election Commission will be able to conduct it successfully," he said.

Referring to the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Mirza Fakhrul said she departed with dignity through her lifelong democratic struggle and expressed optimism about building a democratic Bangladesh as envisioned by her.

He said Tarique Rahman would be appointed as the party's Chairperson within the next few days, as the post is currently vacant following Khaleda Zia's death.

Recalling the party's sacrifices over the last 15-16 years, he said nearly six million BNP leaders and activists were implicated in false cases, about 20,000 were killed and around 1,500, including Sylhet leader Ilias Ali, were forcibly disappeared.

He said a reign of terror had prevailed across the country, depriving people of their rights through fear and intimidation, adding that fascist forces were eventually forced to flee following the July mass uprising.

Mirza Fakhrul said the announcement of the election has generated hope, despite uncertainties raised in sections of the media. Nomination scrutiny has already been completed and campaigning will begin after the allocation of electoral symbols, he added.

Reiterating that the upcoming election is vital for the nation, he said democracy requires forming a parliament through elections and establishing a parliamentary government to ensure good governance and democratic practice.

He also said BNP would begin its election campaign once again from Sylhet.

Calling upon all political parties, he said, "Let us make use of this opportunity. Democracy is not built in a day, nor does democratic culture develop overnight."

BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council members Dr Mohammad Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Ariful Haque Chowdhury and MA Malik, BNP Assistant Organising Secretary for Sylhet Miftah Siddiquee, Sylhet district BNP President Abdul Qaiyum Chowdhury, General Secretary Imran Ahmed Chowdhury, Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Acting President Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi and General Secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury, among others, were present.