Mirza Fakhrul: Check and balances prevent election engineering

PNN News Desk, Thakurgaon 

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of BNP, said that due to proper checks and balances in this national election, the likelihood of so-called “election engineering” succeeding is low. He expressed hope that under these circumstances, BNP will achieve a significant victory.

He made these remarks on Tuesday (February 9) around 11:15 AM while speaking with journalists at his residence in Kalibari area of Thakurgaon city.

Responding to a question about election manipulation concerns, Fakhrul said the party has not yet held detailed discussions. However, given over a decade of electoral experience, public skepticism is understandable due to widespread past irregularities and engineered interventions. Nevertheless, he believes these tactics will not have significant impact this time.

Regarding allegations about field administration, he stated that while government officials may have political leanings, he expects them to act within their official duties.

Fakhrul also commented on the election atmosphere, saying initial incidents caused tension, but the environment has now stabilized, creating favorable conditions for voting.

He noted that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s recent Thakurgaon visit had a positive impact on local politics and energized party activities.

He described the election as a crucial step for restoring democracy in Bangladesh, highlighting BNP’s long struggle for democratic governance over the past 15–16 years. Regardless of the outcome, BNP will respect the people’s mandate, as evidenced by the party’s actions in 2008.

He further commented on the campaigning of new political alliances, stating that although new parties or coalitions appear prominent, clever campaigning rarely produces lasting effects.

Addressing minority security concerns, Fakhrul acknowledged public apprehensions but urged all religious communities to freely exercise their voting rights. He expressed confidence that BNP is taking all preparations seriously and expects a decisive victory.