Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of the BNP’s standing committee, has called on the government to immediately announce a roadmap for national elections, accusing authorities of deliberately delaying the process under various pretexts. Speaking on Friday (May 9) at a discussion held at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka, organized by families of affected expatriates, Dr. Zahid said the people are eager to exercise their right to vote and restore democratic participation.

Focusing on the rights of nearly ten million Bangladeshi expatriates, he stated that the diaspora has long been deprived of their voting rights. He expressed hope that ongoing reforms under Dr. Yunus’s leadership will pave the way for citizens to reclaim their electoral rights. Dr. Zahid also reflected on past incidents of enforced disappearances and killings of BNP members, noting the sacrifices that enabled present-day political discourse.

He attributed foundational economic contributions, such as the growth of the remittance and garments sectors, to the late President Ziaur Rahman, urging that his legacy be remembered alongside the Liberation War. Dr. Zahid said the Awami League is now facing public rejection due to its actions in power, asserting that the party must be held accountable and that the uprising of August 5, which he claimed led to the regime’s collapse, must serve as a foundation for continued unity.

He reaffirmed BNP’s support for expatriate voting rights and emphasized the government's responsibility to protect both expatriate and national assets.

During the event, M.A. Malik, President of UK BNP and adviser to the BNP Chairperson, criticized past regime actions, claiming that properties built by expatriates, particularly in Sylhet, were seized. He urged the current government to ensure the protection of expatriate wealth and their right to vote. Malik also alleged that his personal property was attacked and looted by Awami League affiliates.

The meeting was presided over by Jahangir Alam Mintu, Coordinator of Probashi Poribar 24 and Chief Editor of Weekly Joyjatra. Other attendees included UK BNP Vice President M. Zakaria, Mahmudullah Mamun (US), Barrister Obaidur Rahman Tipu (UK), Advocate Parvez (UK), Barrister Mariam Chowdhury, Lecturer Khokon (Italy), Ripon Sarkar (Italy BNP), MM Rashed, Iqbal Hossain (London), Momtaz Hossain Lipi (Central Women’s Wing), Billal Hossain Mal (Labour Wing), and several expatriates affected by abuse and displacement in Saudi Arabia.