The BNP has expressed its desire for national elections to be held by mid-year, stating that discussions around local government elections are intended to delay the national polls. The party believes that the interim government should prioritize organizing national elections in line with public expectations rather than focusing on local elections. This sentiment was shared during a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee on Monday night, presided over virtually by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from London.

Following the meeting, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced a press conference scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. The conference is expected to address the election and other pressing issues.

Sources revealed that the BNP plans to mobilize public support for elections through meetings and seminars in the coming months. The party also criticized the government for increasing VAT and taxes, arguing that an elected government would not impose such measures, which burden the public further. They stated that raising VAT and taxes on essential commodities was unjustifiable.

The meeting also discussed the medical treatment and health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently in the UK. The leaders expressed gratitude for her steady recovery and health improvement.