'Those who rejects 71 independence now call 24 uprising second independence'

Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP Standing Committee member, has said that those who did not accept Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are now calling the 2024 uprising the country’s “second independence.”

He made the remarks at a discussion titled “July Pledge to Establish Voting Rights” organized by the Bangladesh Labor Party at the National Press Club on Sunday.

Addressing the demands of the 2024 movement, Khan questioned whether proportional representation (PR) and a higher-level election forum existed, saying, “That is the question now.”

He stressed the main demand is the transition to democracy and restoration of the people’s rights. “All historic reforms in Bangladesh have been carried out by the BNP, yet efforts are ongoing to portray the party as an opponent of reform,” he added.

Khan also highlighted political shifts, noting that former rivals are uniting and some are trying to delay elections by forming new parties.

He accused those involved in enforced disappearances and killings of having clear evidence against them and urged for speedy justice. Khan criticized claims that justice would be delayed if BNP returns to power, calling such remarks politically motivated.