A six-member team from U.S.-based Carter Center met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday to discuss the country’s evolving political landscape and the upcoming national election.
The meeting, held at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan, lasted approximately an hour, starting at 10:30 am. The delegation was led by Jonathan Stonestreet, Senior Associate Director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program.
Senior BNP figures including Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Advisory Council Member Mohammad Ismail Zabiullah, Organising Secretary Shama Obaed, and Private Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar were also in attendance.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Dr Moyeen Khan said discussions focused on two key issues: the overall political scenario and the roadmap for democratic transition, particularly in the context of the forthcoming election.
He noted that the Carter Center expressed interest in potentially observing the election and explored with the BNP what such an initiative might involve, including a possible timeline.
Referencing historical precedent, Dr Moyeen recalled the swift formation of a caretaker government in 1990 following the fall of the Ershad regime, which successfully conducted a free and fair election within 90 days—a model that continues to be praised for its transparency and credibility.
“It’s unreasonable to suggest that a fair election needs an indefinite timeline. History shows it can be done in three months. With nine months already gone, the public is bound to raise questions. Even if BNP stays silent, people will not,” he said.
He stressed that BNP is open to elections being held by December this year, asserting that such a timeline would be acceptable to the general public.
Warning of growing instability, Dr Moyeen said, “The political, economic, and law and order situation hasn’t improved since nine months ago. Delaying elections without justification could have serious consequences.”
He further emphasized the need for a government that reflects the will of the people, cautioning that instability would harm the entire nation. “The sooner the election is held, the better it is for Bangladesh,” he concluded.
Highlighting the BNP’s stance, Dr Moyeen said the nation had overthrown fascism in the past to restore democracy, and it must now return to the democratic path through inclusive and credible elections.
The Carter Center, established in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, is renowned for its global work in promoting democracy, human rights, and conflict resolution. The delegation’s meeting with BNP is part of its broader engagement with political parties in Bangladesh ahead of the anticipated national polls.
