BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today spoke at the Foreign Service Academy's Doel Hall in the capital. Photo: Chief Adviser's Press Wing

DHAKA, Oct 15, 2025 (BSS) - BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today said the party wants a historic and credible national election under the leadership of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.

"Our support for you has been consistent and remains so. We want a historic election under your leadership, and that is our condition," he told an emergency meeting of the National Consensus Commission chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the Foreign Service Academy's Doel Hall in the capital.

Salahuddin said, "We do not want to fall into any kind of conflict ahead of the election. The fallen autocrats and their allies are waiting to exploit any unrest."

"The election must be held within the promised timeframe -- in the first half of February -- there is no alternative before the nation," he added. 

The BNP leader emphasized the need to maintain an environment that prevents any return of authoritarian forces. 

"A prolonged unelected government leads to many complications. That is why we have repeatedly said that a democratically elected government must be established as soon as possible. Otherwise, we may see early signs of the same post-uprising instability that has appeared in other countries," he said.

Referring to the upcoming July National Charter, Salahuddin said he was waiting for its signing. "Wherever there are 'notes of dissent,' those issues have been discussed with all political parties within the Commission. But these dissenting opinions must be clearly mentioned in the final Charter," he added.

He expressed optimism that areas of agreement among the political parties would be consolidated into a national charter reflecting collective consensus.

The meeting, which began at 6:25 pm, was conducted by Chief Adviser's Special Assistant and journalist Monir Haidar.

Among others, National Consensus Commission Vice-President Professor Dr Ali Riaz, members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Safar Raj Hossain, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Dr Md Ayyub Miah were present.

BNP delegation led by Salahuddin Ahmed included BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council Member Ismail Zabihullah and Central Executive Committee Member Ruhul Quddus Kajal.

Leaders from various political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Gonosonghoti Andolon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob), Revolutionary Workers Party, and AB Party, also attended the meeting.