Will Yunus Outline a Clear Election Roadmap for Bangladesh?

Dhaka, May 24 (NationPress) Amid escalating political unrest in Bangladesh, the newly-formed National Citizen Party (NCP) has urged the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to publicly outline a definitive roadmap for the forthcoming national elections. The party also called for the urgent unveiling of the July manifesto and the prosecution of those responsible for the July mass killings, as reported by local media.

“A transparent roadmap concerning justice, reforms, and elections is crucial. This will help alleviate the uncertainties and confusion affecting both the public and political entities,” stated NCP Convenor Nahid Islam during a press conference in Dhaka.

“The Chief Advisor had pledged fundamental reforms and justice prior to the elections. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with movements such as the one at Jamuna, indicating he does not wish to remain in his role unless a controlled electoral process can be guaranteed,” he added.

The NCP has also distanced itself from two student advisors in the interim government - Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan – whose resignation is demanded by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The NCP asserted that the interim government should maintain its neutrality by removing these advisors.

"The NCP is not connected to the two student advisors. We vehemently condemn any attempts to associate them with our party," Nahid stated.

In another development, leaders from the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are scheduled to meet with Yunus at his official residence, Jamuna, on Saturday evening, as confirmed by the Chief Advisor’s press office.

Reports indicate that these meetings are part of initiatives aimed at reducing political tensions.

“We have been invited by the Chief Advisor’s office to discuss the current political climate,” quoted a BNP standing committee member from the Bangladeshi media outlet UNB.

The BNP leader further noted that they would ask Yunus to announce a roadmap for the elections by 2025 and expedite the reform process.

Meanwhile, in an interview with a TV channel, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed mentioned that the BNP is not requesting Yunus's resignation, but merely the resignation of certain controversial advisors.

“We called for a roadmap for the national elections by December. If he chooses to resign instead of providing a roadmap, that is his decision. However, we have not asked for his resignation,” he added.

Earlier on Friday, during a protest rally, the BNP indicated that the interim government's delay in holding national elections is escalating political tension and instability in the nation.

Local media reported that Yunus expressed anger and frustration regarding the ongoing situation during a regular meeting of the Advisory Council held on Thursday. He acknowledged his difficulties in functioning effectively and expressed a desire to step down.

Bangladesh has been facing protests, political divisions, and a surge in crime and violence since the Yunus-led interim government took charge last August.

Parties like the BNP have repeatedly warned of street protests if the interim government fails to deliver an electoral roadmap.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman also stated that the next national election should take place by December, with an elected government in place by January 1, 2026, following “free and fair” elections, after which the army will return to civilian life.