The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called upon the interim government to follow the constitutional framework, avoiding any hasty decision on the removal of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. 

“The only way to overcome any crisis is to hold a credible national election after completing all necessary reforms related to the electoral process,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

He made the remarks while talking to journalists after placing a wreath at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, accompanied by leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, marking its 46th founding anniversary.

When asked about BNP’s position on the removal of President Mohammed Shahabuddin following the meeting with students, the BNP leader said, “We will not make any hasty declaration. We have a party forum, and we will clarify our stance after discussing the issue at that forum meeting.”

He also said, “As we have said before, to consolidate the revolution, national unity is needed the most. It is necessary to do all the work in a constitutional process without taking any hasty decision.”

“For this, it is necessary to hold a neutral election by carrying out election-centric reforms very quickly. Only that can solve all the crises,” he added.

Mirza Fakhrul said, “Earlier, we have said that if we want to build on the achievements of the mass-uprising and strengthen the movement in Bangladesh, national unity is essential. We believe everything should be managed through a constitutional process.”

He said that their party has consistently urged the government to arrange an impartial election swiftly by implementing necessary electoral reforms.

In reply to a query whether BNP believes the crisis will worsen if the election is delayed, Mirza Fakhrul responded that the interim government must take immediate steps to organise the national election to address the crisis. A constitutional political party should take charge of the country and govern through a neutral election, he added. 

He appreciated the role of Jubo Dal in the student-led mass uprising aimed at overthrowing the fascist government of Sheikh Hasina.

Later, BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas inaugurated a medical camp and voluntary blood donation drive at the party's central office in Nayapaltan.

For the first time since the fall of the Awami League government, hundreds of Jubo Dal leaders and activists marched to Chandrima Udyan at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, chanting slogans in support of BNP chief Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman.

Leaders from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee met with BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders of the party at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office on Saturday evening. The students met BNP leaders to request them to support the removal of the President.