In a detailed letter handed over to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday (April 16), BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir criticized the narrative of prioritizing development or reform over democracy, labeling it a misguided concept. The letter, titled “Suggestions and Opinions on Immediate Measures in the Current Situation of the Country,” argues that true development for all can only be achieved by strengthening and making democratic systems functional. For this, reforms in the state structure, legal system, and policies are essential.

The BNP reiterated that nearly all major reforms in Bangladesh’s political and economic history have been initiated by the party—citing late President Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point program, Khaleda Zia’s Vision 2030, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s 27-point state reform proposal, and the more recent 31-point agenda shaped in consultation with other parties. The letter stressed that ongoing reform initiatives are a continuation of BNP’s earlier commitments, and the party welcomes any logical dialogue to move forward.

However, the BNP rejected any political strategy that delays restoring people’s voting rights for partisan gain. The letter calls upon the chief adviser to quickly implement necessary reforms and announce a clear roadmap for national elections by December 2025 to remove public confusion.

It also emphasized that the people expect the interim government to ensure justice against fascist regimes, prosecute anti-people and anti-humanity crimes, address corruption and money laundering, recover stolen public wealth, ensure compensation and proper medical care for victims, and lower living costs and improve law and order—culminating in a free, fair, and inclusive national election that returns state power to the people.

Referring to ongoing resistance against authoritarian rule, the BNP highlighted that over the past 16 years, more than 1,700 opposition members have been forcibly disappeared, thousands killed, and over 6 million injured, disabled, or harassed through false cases. The party also noted the sacrifices of over 2,000 youth, students, workers, and women and children during the mass uprising of July–August 2024, many of whom were killed or maimed.

Finally, the BNP reaffirmed its historic role in every democratic and humanitarian struggle since the Liberation War. The party pledged its full support and cooperation to the interim government under Dr. Yunus, to deliver the gains of the recent uprising to the people and help build a sustainable democratic foundation through constitutional governance.