Are Calls for Democracy Restoration Growing Amid Political Crisis in Bangladesh?

Dhaka, May 26 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has raised alarms that the ongoing chaos in Bangladesh under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus is likely to escalate further without a defined strategy for conducting elections soon.

During the 30th anniversary celebration of the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), prominent BNP figure Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury called upon all segments of society to come together to reinstate democracy in the nation via a trustworthy national election.

"We must unite in the days ahead to revive democracy. Our aim is to restore a democratic framework in Bangladesh through a just electoral process. The longer this is postponed, the deeper our crisis will become. The quicker we can achieve this with the media's cooperation and the collective efforts of the Bangladeshi populace, the more advantageous it will be for our nation," reported the Bangladeshi media outlet UNB citing Chowdhury.

He added, "Thus, our unity will be for democracy — to reclaim democratic and constitutional rights, including media freedom. There is no substitute for this. No other reform can yield what democratic governance can."

Simultaneously, on Monday, supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain and certain employees of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) reignited protests outside Nagar Bhaban, demanding Ishraque's immediate appointment as Mayor, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to the government.

This demonstration halted public services, resulting in significant inconvenience for residents of Dhaka.

In another development, three affiliated groups of BNP — Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal — announced plans for a major rally named 'Establishing the Political Rights of the Youth' on May 28, to be held outside the party’s central office in Naya Paltan.

Previously, on Sunday, while addressing a public event in Dhaka from London, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman reiterated his party’s demand for elections to be held by December.

"Political parties have again demanded a clear, specific date for the national election after meeting with the head of the interim government. The BNP insists that the national election must be conducted by December," he stated during the event.

"Threats and intimidation cannot suppress the people's voice. Citizens must continue to engage in constructive criticism of the government. Every individual should remain vocal in demanding their rightful entitlements," Rahman added.

The absence of a definitive plan for reforms and elections continues to fuel significant political unrest in Bangladesh, as Yunus held a series of meetings over the past weekend with leaders of various political factions questioning his contentious policies and dubious advisors.

As pressure mounted on Yunus, he had previously expressed his wish to resign out of frustration — a development that stirred significant discussions in political circles nationwide.

Unrest, political ambiguity, and a rise in criminal incidents have enveloped Bangladesh since the Yunus-led interim government took charge last August.

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

Moreover, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman emphasized that the next national elections should occur by December, with an elected government operational by January 1, 2026, following "free and fair" polls.