TDS Desk:

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has urged the interim government to hold parliamentary elections by July-August, emphasizing the need for timely elections to strengthen democracy and ensure that the country is governed by elected representatives.

BNP leaders believe that delaying the elections will exacerbate the political and economic crisis.

The party’s primary goal is to re-establish the people’s right to vote and maintain the transparency and impartiality of the country’s democratic institutions.

Several sources within the party confirmed that a decision was made to pressure the government during a standing committee meeting chaired by the party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, on Monday night.

At a press conference on Tuesday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said: “We think there is no reason to delay the elections. The elections are possible by the middle of this year, that is, by July-August.”

He urged the government and the Election Commission to conduct elections by August for the nation’s benefit.

Earlier, on December 16, the Chief Adviser to the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, suggested that national elections could be held between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.

His Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, later clarified that elections could be expected by June 30, 2026.

However, BNP leaders argue that organizing elections by August is feasible after the completion of necessary reforms, including those relating to measures by the Election Commission.

They have warned of potential movements if elections are not held within this timeframe.

Mirza Fakhrul emphasized the urgency, saying: “Now is a very sensitive time. The nation is now in a very critical period. We will appeal to all not to obstruct this path to democracy in any way.”

BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal explained the party’s demand for elections between July and August.

He said: “If the government wants, it can organize elections earlier. We are giving the government quite some time. And the issue of organizing elections is the responsibility of the Election Commission. The government has no business here. We see that the law and order in the country and the security of the people have deteriorated greatly. The country is going economically backward. Therefore, we want a democratic government to be established through quick elections to resolve these problems.”

For its part, the government has proposed holding elections by June next year after implementing reforms. In response to whether the BNP will allow time for reforms, Alal said, “We are giving the government sufficient time to initiate reforms. Our discussions with the government regarding reforms are ongoing. We want to give them some more time. They will be able to complete the reforms and organize elections during this time.”

When asked about potential movements if elections are not held by August, Alal said: “We have supported this government and are continuing to do so. We want the government to understand the language of the people and organize elections quickly.”

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed expressed the nation’s anticipation for elections, saying: “We want elections before July-August. The nation is now expecting a fair election. We are saying that elections should be organised after completing the reforms required for the elections. Election preparations and reforms must be taken forward together.”

He added: “The main task of this government is to organize fair elections. We overthrew a fascist government for the sake of elections. If any excuse is made about the elections, the people will reject it.”

Ruhin Hossain Prince, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), echoing the BNP’s call for early elections, said: “The issue of holding elections depends on the sincere will of the government. It can hold an election anytime if it wants. We, the political parties, are ready for the elections. The voters are also ready to vote. We think it is possible to hold an election by mid-2025.”

Prince emphasized that reforms should not delay elections, saying: “Reforms are an ongoing issue in the world. Elections cannot be stopped by talking about reforms. The reforms that are needed for holding elections should be carried out and elections should be held quickly. The elected government will make the remaining reforms when it comes to power. If they do not keep the promises made to the people, the people will judge them. And this government is not working well. The longer it is in power, the more chances there are of  evil forces emerging. That is why we want early elections.”

Rashed Khan, general secretary of the Gana Odhikar Parishad, called for a national dialogue to announce a roadmap for elections.

He said: “The government should announce a roadmap for the elections through a national dialogue. Owing to the absence of an election roadmap, our doubts are increasing. We want an announcement of a roadmap for early elections like other parties.”