BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said the upcoming national election, scheduled for February 2026, offers a chance to form a truly representative parliament capable of addressing unresolved national issues and outlining a clear vision for the country’s future.

Speaking at a dialogue titled “National Parliamentary Election 2026: The Necessity for National Unity” organized by the Foundation of Strategic and Development Studies at a city hotel, Fakhrul said differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, but the next parliament must genuinely reflect the people’s will.

“The Chief Adviser’s address may seem acceptable to many, but disagreements will still exist. What matters most is that the upcoming parliament represents the people, discusses their unresolved concerns and shapes a roadmap for national progress,” he said.

Fakhrul emphasized that as the people are the true owners of the state, their elected representatives must lead the country’s direction.

“If we fail to elect such a parliament and instead allow a few individuals or intellectuals to impose their opinions, we must ask how acceptable that would be to the people,” he added.

Reflecting on Bangladesh’s long struggle for democracy, Fakhrul said the nation has repeatedly sacrificed for democratic ideals but has rarely been able to practise them fully.

“Since the Pakistan period, democracy in this land has been interrupted and weakened again and again. That’s why we now face mistrust, anxiety, and instability in society,” he said.

He paid tribute to the martyrs of the July movement, saying their sacrifices paved the way for restoring democratic rights.

“Our responsibility now is to strengthen democratic institutions and make democracy functional and institutional,” he said.

Fakhrul also stressed that the faster an elected government is formed through a fair election, the better it will be for the country.

“I see no reason for despair. The ongoing discussions about democracy show that a new breeze of hope is emerging; a path toward a new democratic order in Bangladesh,” he said.

Commenting on the proposed proportional representation (PR) system, Fakhrul cautioned that the concept is not yet widely understood among ordinary citizens.

“You cannot impose complex systems on people without preparing them. The PR model must be explained clearly so that people understand it,” he said.

He reiterated BNP’s proposal to form a national government after election with the parties and groups that participated in the anti-fascist movement, calling it a sincere effort to unite the nation around shared democratic goals.

“Election is the only way to restore democracy,” Fakhrul said, expressing optimism that a united effort can lead Bangladesh toward a stable and representative democratic future.