Staff Correspondent:

National elections are set to be held in the first week of February, just a week before the start of Ramadan, and the interim government’s decision on the timeline is final, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said on Tuesday.

Talking to newsmen at his Gulshan residence, Salahuddin warned that political parties boycotting the polls under any pretext will be “minus” from the country’s future political landscape.

“The elections will be held in early February. There is no ambiguity about the interim government’s decision,” Salahuddin said.

He acknowledged that one or two parties are attempting to create confusion, possibly as part of a strategic move. “It is their political right not to participate. But those who choose to boycott using excuses will fade into political irrelevance. They will be minus from the future of Bangladesh’s politics.”

Salahuddin emphasised the BNP’s call for a fair and credible election under an anti-fascist national unity framework, describing the upcoming polls as a “historic event” in the nation’s political journey.

He iterated the party’s support for constitutional reforms, but stressed that such changes must be made through consensus. “Any reform that contradicts the Constitution cannot be accepted. We are ready to present alternative proposals during discussions with the Consensus Commission. Reforms can be implemented after the parliamentary elections – timing is crucial to avoid contradictions.”

On the issue of the caretaker government, Salahuddin clarified that the BNP does not seek confrontation over holding elections under the current interim setup. “This government was formed through consensus. We don’t want complications. Once the caretaker government system is legally reinstated, it can be applied in the next election cycle.”

Addressing potential alliances ahead of the polls, he ruled out any coalition with Jamaat-e-Islami, citing ideological differences.

However, he left the door open for alliances with parties and groups that participated in the recent anti-autocracy movement. “Alliances are possible with those who stood with us in the simultaneous uprising. They can also be part of the next government,” he said.

He also revealed that talks are ongoing with certain Islamist political groups. “Discussions are underway. An alliance may form, but nothing is finalized yet. Beyond that, cooperation with other forces from the past movement will depend on dialogue and mutual agreement.”

Salahuddin’s remarks come amid growing political momentum and intense negotiations across party lines, as Bangladesh prepares for a pivotal election that could reshape its democratic future.