Tarique focuses on free, fair election during meeting with EU delegation

A delegation from the European Union (EU) held a meeting with BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss issues related to ensuring a free, fair and credible upcoming national parliamentary election in Bangladesh.

The meeting took place on Tuesday night at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan and lasted for more than one and a half hours.

The EU delegation was led by the European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the BNP’s outlook regarding the polls, and the overall situation of workers’ rights in Bangladesh.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Jabiullah, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, and Adviser to the acting chairman Mahdi Amin were present alongside Tarique.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Nazrul said that the EU delegation met with Tarique as the European Union plans to deploy a large election observation mission for the upcoming polls.

“The discussions were very positive and fruitful,” he said. “They wanted to know how the upcoming election is likely to be held, what role BNP will play, and what BNP envisions for the country’s development after the election.”

He added that Tarique clearly reiterated BNP’s long-standing demand for holding the election as soon as possible and on the scheduled date, ensuring it is peaceful, free and fair.

“He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment and strong interest in a credible election,” Nazrul said.

According to him, Tarique also said that the people of Bangladesh have been deprived of participating in elections and casting their votes for a long time.

“People are eagerly waiting for a peaceful election where they can participate freely and express their aspirations through voting. We are also waiting for that,” he quoted the BNP leader as saying.

Nazrul Islam Khan said BNP is preparing to actively participate in the election and has already taken necessary organisational steps.

Gratitude to the European Union

Nazrul said Tarique expressed gratitude to the EU for its cooperation in Bangladesh’s development.

He also requested the EU to enhance its cooperation in the future and play a more effective role so that the people of Bangladesh can benefit further.

“The EU representatives said they would stand by Bangladesh in the coming days with even greater and more substantial cooperation,” he added.

He said the EU delegation raised concerns, particularly regarding labour rights. In response, Tarique stated that BNP governments have historically played the most significant role in ensuring workers’ welfare in Bangladesh.

Nazrul mentioned that during the tenure of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, initiatives such as amendments related to labour courts and the establishment of the Labor Welfare Foundation were undertaken.

“BNP has always been committed to the welfare of workers,” he said, adding that the party is interested not only in protecting existing labor law reforms but also in advancing them further.

Call for Peaceful Elections

Replying to a question, Nazrul said, “We want the election to be free and fair. We want peace to prevail during the election.”

He noted that when Tarique addressed his first rally after returning from abroad, the words he emphasised most were “peace” and “reconciliation.”

Nazrul Islam Khan pointed out that the European Union did not send election observers in the past few elections.

“This time, they are sending a large observation team because they believe the election will be free, fair and peaceful, and that people’s aspirations will be reflected,” he said.

He added that BNP believes this demonstrates the EU’s support and that the EU will provide greater cooperation to the government that emerges from a credible election.

Election Environment ‘Good’

In response to another question, Nazrul said, “Alhamdulillah, the current election environment is good. So what more is there for others to say?”

He also emphasised that the election is Bangladesh’s internal matter. “This is our country’s election. Why should others’ opinions be given so much importance?” he remarked.

This was the first meeting between Tarique and a foreign delegation at the party office since his return to the country on 25 December.