Is the Delay in National Elections Causing Political Instability in Bangladesh?

Dhaka, May 23 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has asserted that the postponement of national elections by the interim government, headed by Muhammad Yunus, is contributing to an escalation of political tension and instability across the nation.

"A wave of unrest seems to be sweeping through the country. Who are the primary instigators of this instability? Who is responsible for delaying the elections? We demand answers from you, Yunus," quoted BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farroque during a protest rally on Friday.

"Yet, you (Yunus) have not provided a clear roadmap. If this instability is indeed a result of your actions, let it be known that the BNP will not accept any accountability for it," he continued.

The protest was organized outside the National Press Club in Dhaka by a group named 'Aparajeyo Bangladesh', which called for resistance against an alleged conspiracy to undermine the upcoming national elections, as reported by bdnews24.

Farroque, who serves on the advisory council of the BNP chairperson, urged Yunus to pave the way for a peaceful democratic transition and called for the resignation of the Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Information Advisor Mahfuj Alam, and High Representative to Chief Advisor Khalilur Rahman.

"I sincerely urge you to send immediate letters to these three individuals—Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, Mahfuj Alam, and Khalilur Rahman—demanding their resignations from the advisory council. If you do not, the responsibility will fall on your shoulders to remove them," he stated.

In the meantime, the Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo reported that Yunus expressed frustration and dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs during a regular advisory council meeting on Thursday.

Sources indicated that discussions included the daily road blockades in Dhaka caused by protests, the lack of consensus among political entities over reforms, and the non-cooperation of various parties in state matters. Yunus reportedly expressed his struggle to operate effectively and hinted at a desire to resign.

Later, Nahid Islam, the Convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), confirmed after a meeting with Yunus that the Chief Advisor was contemplating resignation.

Since Yunus led the interim government into power last year, Bangladesh has been plagued by frequent protests, political discord, and rising incidents of crime and violence.

Parties like the BNP have consistently warned of street protests should the interim government fail to present an electoral roadmap.

Additionally, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has stated that the next national election should take place by December, with an elected government in place by January 1, 2026, after conducting "free and fair" polls, at which point the army will return to their barracks.