BNP Raises Alarm Over Potential Election Delays by Yunus
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Synopsis
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has voiced concerns over the unclear election timeline from the <b>Muhammad Yunus</b>-led interim government, claiming intentional delays. With elections potentially set between <b>December 2025</b> and <b>June 2026</b>, the BNP insists on a <b>December 2025</b> deadline for elections.
Key Takeaways
- The BNP is concerned about the lack of clear election directives.
- The interim government has not provided a specific election roadmap.
- BNP insists on elections being held by December 2025.
- Concerns raised about public uncertainty and stability.
- Criticism of Yunus is growing among former supporters.
Dhaka, April 10 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed anxiety regarding the ambiguous directives from the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, about the schedule for the parliamentary elections. The party has further alleged that the government is intentionally postponing the elections.
According to BNP, the interim government's inability to present a definitive plan for the upcoming elections has led to public skepticism, as noted by local media on Thursday.
While the interim government has indicated that elections might take place between December 2025 and June 2026, the BNP insists on conducting the elections by December 2025.
In the meantime, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is set to lead a delegation to meet with Chief Advisor Yunus on April 16, as reported by The Dhaka Tribune.
“We are certainly seeking a specific plan for the upcoming national parliamentary elections from the chief advisor before December,” remarked BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed to reporters on Wednesday.
“Given the confusion stemming from conflicting statements from various parties on numerous issues, we will request him (Yunus) to clarify these matters. This should help eliminate the sense of uncertainty and instability among the populace, restore political stability, and revive economic activities,” he added.
Yunus reiterated on Wednesday that the timing of the next parliamentary elections hinges on the extent of reforms the interim government will undertake, potentially taking place either in December 2025 or June 2026.
“Should political parties agree on a more compact reform process, elections could occur in December. However, if a more comprehensive reform agenda is pursued, the elections could be pushed to June,” he stated during a meeting with Baroness Rosie Winterton, the UK trade envoy to Bangladesh, at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Previously, during a televised address to the nation on March 25, Yunus announced that elections would be held between December 2025 and June 2026 and mentioned that the Consensus Commission is actively seeking feedback on reforms from all political factions.
A senior leader from the BNP has indicated that there is a deliberate effort to prolong the interim government’s term and delay the elections. The party has cautioned of a potential crisis and “strong discontent” among citizens if elections do not occur by December.
The BNP has voiced doubts regarding the feasibility of national parliamentary elections in December, alleging a “conspiracy” aimed at postponing the polls.
The much-touted unity among political factions in Bangladesh, which was prominently displayed during the ousting of the democratically elected Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, is gradually dissipating.
As the country grapples with a crisis over the past seven months, several political leaders who previously supported Yunus are now openly criticizing him, particularly regarding the extensive delays in holding national elections.
