Certain quarters trying to create chaos to derail polls: Fakhrul

Accusing some quarters of trying to create unrest by raising unnecessary issues like the proportional representation (PR) system, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said there will be no compromise on holding the next national election in February, 2026, reports UNB.
"A particular quarter is putting forward demands, including PR, only to create chaos in the country and delay or derail the election process. There will be no compromise over holding the next national election," he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a views-exchange meeting with local people at Dhanarhat Eidgah ground in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila.
He alleged that a certain quarter is keeping Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus occupied with various demands in an attempt to block the national election.
"A party is holding rallies and meetings about PR. Even if I don't understand what PR really means, how will people understand it? That's why I say, let's stop arguing and focus on ensuring a fair and beautiful election in February," Fakhrul said.
He also said the people of the country no longer want to see politics of conflict and violence as they prepare to cast their votes and make their decision in February.
The BNP leader said the next parliament, to be formed through people's direct votes, will discuss and debate the various demands of different parties and resolve them.
Fakhrul urged all political parties to avoid making non-election-related demands and to cooperate with the interim government so that the election can be held smoothly. "Let's not create further division."
Calling upon voters to cast their ballots for BNP's electoral symbol, the 'sheaf of paddy', he said, "For the country's development and democracy, I call upon you to vote for the sheaf of paddy."
The BNP leader also recalled past political repression, alleging that during the Awami League government's tenure, opposition leaders and activists were subjected to severe persecution.
He claimed that nearly 2000 people were killed during the July-August mass uprising and thousands others were injured and faced various forms of repression.