BNP may form coalition with like-minded parties: Salahuddin

Salahuddin Ahmad, member of BNP’s Standing Committee, has announced that the party plans to contest upcoming elections alongside groups involved in the ongoing simultaneous movement. He also indicated that a coalition with like-minded parties could be formed.

Speaking to reporters in the capital on Thursday, Salahuddin said the BNP intends to work with parties who participated in the July movement. “We want to hold elections with those who share our mindset to ensure a peaceful process. While no formal coalition has been announced yet, forming one is not off the table,” he added.

On BNP’s political orientation, Salahuddin emphasized, “We are neither right-wing nor left-wing; we are Bangladesh-centric. We believe in the middle path and are engaging with all political forces representing the people. BNP sees itself as a mass party and wishes to build an atmosphere of cooperation in the country’s politics despite ideological differences, so all parties can unite for the national interest.”

Regarding Islamist parties, he said they represent a section of the population and stressed that no laws should contradict the Quran and Sunnah. “If laws are made after consensus, they can be effectively implemented. BNP is working toward this consensus as part of its responsibility as a major party,” he added.

Commenting on the letter from the Chief Adviser to the Election Commission, Salahuddin described it as “the most important step in the last year.” He noted that both the Election Commission and the nation had been waiting for this official communication. “The Chief Adviser was waiting to see visible progress in government reforms and the justice system before taking this step. Now, he is satisfied,” he said.

Salahuddin further noted that public and political demands were for elections to be held before the upcoming Ramadan. He mentioned that BNP leader Tarique Rahman had agreed in London discussions for early elections. “A joint briefing confirmed that reforms and judicial progress must be visible, which has now been achieved. A national consensus on reforms has been reached, and preparations for the July national charter are underway,” he said.