BNP has reiterated its position that holding the next national election this year is critical to restoring the country's democratic process.

During a meeting with European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Sunday, BNP senior leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury discussed key issues, particularly the timing of the election and the party's stance on the reforms being considered.

“We talked about the important issues facing Bangladesh today, particularly the election—it's timing, our perspective on it, and our views on the proposed reforms,” Khasru explained in a press briefing after the meeting.

The meeting took place at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office and was attended by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Shama Obaid.

Khasru emphasized that holding the election within this year is essential. "We have made it clear that the election must be held within this year," he said.

The BNP leader further stated that the interim government should focus on organizing the election rather than exploring other options, to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to an elected government and maintain the democratic process in Bangladesh. He warned, "A country cannot thrive under an undemocratic system, as such a government lacks political legitimacy, a connection with the people, and the ability to mobilize effectively."

He added that in an undemocratic system, citizens are unable to voice their opinions or provide feedback, underscoring the party's insistence on returning to a democratic process as soon as possible.

Regarding the election roadmap, Khasru said discussions had focused on Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary election. He confirmed that reforms on which there is consensus can be implemented immediately, while proposals still requiring consensus will be presented to the public during the upcoming election campaign. "The party that wins the public mandate will present these reforms in Parliament, where they will be debated and passed," he noted.

The BNP also discussed the country’s economy, acknowledging the EU's strong economic ties with Bangladesh. Khasru expressed that if the BNP comes to power, it will implement programs to revive the economy. "We will support such programs if the current government initiates them, and we have our own economic plans that we will implement if the people elect us," he stated.

In response to the EU envoy's comments, Khasru added that European investors are eager to invest in Bangladesh, and BNP welcomes these investments.