BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan met the CEC, demanding a timely 13th parliamentary election to restore voting rights

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin at the Nirbachan Bhaban, declared the party's desire for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election to be held on schedule.

Khan stressed that the BNP is actively engaged in the electoral process and expressed hope for a swift announcement of the election schedule. The senior leader reiterated the party's long-standing demand for timely elections, arguing that it is crucial for restoring the people's right to vote and allowing them to choose their government without delay. "We have always been demanding elections as soon as possible... because we want to return the rights of the people to the people," he stated.

The delegation presented several specific proposals to the Election Commission (EC). Nazrul Islam Khan emphasized that all eligible voters must have the opportunity to cast their ballots, suggesting that the EC consider extending voting hours or increasing the number of polling booths if necessary.

The BNP leaders requested a guarantee that ballot papers be printed exclusively in government presses. Khan reported that the EC assured them that private presses would not be used.

The party urged the commission to allow expatriate Bangladeshi citizens to register as voters using their passports alongside National Identity Cards, citing frequent contact from the diaspora regarding this issue.

In related news, Khan confirmed that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is set to travel abroad for medical treatment on Friday morning. The party remains optimistic about her quick recovery, evidenced by the simultaneous announcement of additional candidate names.

BNP advisory council member Ismail Zabiullah and former EC acting secretary Dr. Mohammad Zakaria were also present at the meeting, alongside Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.