Dhaka: A delegation from the US-based Carter Center met with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office here this morning. The meeting covered various issues, including the country’s political and economic situations, the restoration of democracy, and the upcoming parliamentary elections.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the hour-long meeting was followed by a briefing from BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan to reporters. Khan highlighted that two major issues-the overall political situation in Bangladesh and the process of democratization-were discussed. He mentioned that the specific issue raised was the possibility of the Carter Center coming to monitor the upcoming elections, and deliberations were made on how and when this could be feasible.
Jonathan Stonestreet, Senior Associate Director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program, led the six-member delegation, which included Senior Associate Directors Tara Sharif, Michael Baldassaro, Saira Zahedi, Daniel Richards, and Kazi Shahidul Islam. On the BNP side, the Secretary General was accompanied by Abdul Moyeen Khan, Ismail Zabihullah, a member of the Chairperson’s Advisory Council, Shama Obaid, Organising Secretary, and ABM Abdus Sattar, Private Secretary to the Chairperson of the party.
When queried about the election timeframe, Moyeen Khan refrained from criticism but provided a historical perspective, referencing the caretaker government after the fall of Ershad, which facilitated a fair election in Bangladesh within 90 days. He emphasized that such a timeframe should still be feasible and discussed how the BNP expects the election to occur soon to avoid public unrest.
Khan reiterated the BNP’s stance that an election held by the end of the year would be acceptable, warning that any delay could exacerbate Bangladesh’s political, social, and economic challenges. He stressed the importance of fair and impartial elections for true representation, which he believes would benefit the country’s stability.
Founded by former US President Jimmy Carter in 1982, the Carter Center aims to advance human rights and alleviate suffering globally. The delegation’s meeting with BNP was part of its broader engagement with various political parties regarding the upcoming elections.