Synopsis
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to meet the interim government's Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, emphasizing the importance of conducting national elections by December 2025. The BNP seeks clarity on election plans and has warned of public protests if their demands are not met.Key Takeaways
- BNP to meet Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.
- Firm opposition to election delays past December 2025.
- Demand for clear election roadmap.
- Potential public protests if demands are unmet.
- Concerns over attempts to prolong interim governance.
Dhaka, April 16 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a prominent political entity in the nation, is set to engage in discussions with the interim government’s Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, on Wednesday. The party is firmly against any postponement of the national elections past December 2025.
According to local media, the BNP is also calling for a transparent roadmap leading to the upcoming elections.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed mentioned that the party aims to seek clarification regarding the interim government's plans during this meeting.
“We will remind the Chief Advisor of his commitment to conduct elections by December and request him to make a public confirmation during a press conference. Furthermore, we will urge him to instruct the Election Commission to fulfill all necessary preparations accordingly,” he stated.
BNP leaders have indicated that if no agreement is achieved during the meeting, they will mobilize publicly to advocate for the restoration of democracy and demand that the national elections occur this year.
The party has also laid out a series of activities for the next three months. These initiatives will likely include rallies, marches, and processions starting from grassroots levels, as reported by the Bangladeshi media outlet UNB.
Expressing significant concern, a BNP standing committee member, who spoke anonymously to UNB, noted that there is an increasing effort aimed at delaying the national election and maintaining the current interim government in power for five years.
He cited recent comments from Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who claimed that the public desires the interim government to remain in place for five years. Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter even suggested that the government was ‘elected’ by the populace through a mass uprising.
In the meantime, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas accused the ruling powers of a blatant attempt to postpone the elections.
“There are individuals openly advocating for Yunus to maintain power for five years. However, those pushing for this will not only tarnish his reputation but also inflict serious damage on the country,” asserted Abbas.
Last month, during a televised address, Yunus announced that elections would be conducted between December 2025 and June 2026. He added that the Consensus Commission is actively collecting input on reforms from all political factions.
On Sunday, during a standing committee meeting, BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman criticized those who support reforms.
“These individuals advocate for reforms while holding significant positions and enjoying luxurious benefits, including cars, salaries, bonuses, and allowances,” reported The Daily Star, quoting Rahman.
Previously, the BNP had expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of holding national parliamentary elections in December. Senior leaders within the party have suggested a “conspiracy” to postpone the polls.
The once-celebrated unity among political factions in Bangladesh, demonstrated during the removal of the democratically-elected Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, is gradually dissipating.
