DHAKA, Jan 31, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said fascism has collapsed but democracy has not yet been restored in the country, which can be achieved through a free, fair and participatory election.

“We wanted the fall of fascism to reinstate democracy in the country. Fascism has collapsed, but we could not restore democracy. Insha Allah, democracy will be re-established through a free, fair, and participatory election. Necessary reforms will be implemented to ensure such an election,” he said.

Khan, also member of BNP liaison committee, made the remarks this evening following a meeting between BNP leaders and top leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam at around 6:30pm at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan.

Nazrul Islam Khan said BNP has been holding discussions with various political parties in a bid to forge unity. “Today, we had discussions with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh. This party was part of the four-party alliance, and we have worked together for many years. They were involved in the anti-autocracy and anti-fascism movement and also took part in the recent movement,” he said.

Describing the discussions as cordial, he said both sides exchanged views on the country’s existing socio-economic and political situation and found common ground on various issues.

“We believe that all democratic forces should work for the welfare of the people. The simultaneous movement is not just an anti-government movement but can also be a means to fulfill collective aspirations,” he added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was present at the meeting.

Senior leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, including Senior Vice President Maulana Ubaidullah Farooq, Vice Presidents Maulana Abdur Rab Yousufi, Maulana Abdul Quddus Talukdar, Maulana Junaid Al-Habib, and Maulana Abdul Quddus Qasemi, attended the meeting.  

Earlier, BNP liaison committee members held a meeting with the top leaders of 12-Party Alliance.

Chief of the alliance also Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider, LDP chairman and also spokesperson for the 12-Party Alliance Shahadat Hossain Selim, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh chairman Nurul Amin Bepari, Bangladesh Jatiya Dal (BJD) chairman Syed Ehsanul Huda, Jamiat Secretary General Maulana Dr Golam Mohiuddin Ikram and Jagpa Vice President Rashed Pradhan attended the meeting from the alliance.

The meetings were held as part of BNP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination and communication with like-minded and Islamist political parties engaged in the movement against the Awami League government.