Bangladesh: BNP Accuses Yunus of Plotting Deliberate Delay in Parliamentary Elections

In the wake of growing anxiety over the lack of a clear timeline for the next national parliamentary elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has urged the interim government to make an immediate declaration of a clear electoral schedule.

BNP leaders have complained of frustration with the interim government for not yet announcing a set election date, and that has caused confusion among the people and raised eyebrows about the government's intentions.

While officials have indicated a possible window between December and June, the BNP has argued that such a loose range does not give the country the clarity it requires. The party argued that elections should be conducted by December.

To formally discuss these issues, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will head a delegation to meet Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on April 16. The party sources have confirmed that the main agenda will be to urge a clear roadmap and a strong commitment on the election schedule.

The decision to meet with the Chief Adviser was sealed during a Monday night meeting of the BNP Standing Committee at the political office of the party Chairperson in Gulshan. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman attended the meeting from abroad and chaired the discussions. Issues of election-related reforms and strategy were the focal points of the discussions.

Expressing views on the issue, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, "There is confusion over the election, and our aim is to eliminate this uncertainty. We feel all preparations for the elections can be made before June, and we'll insist on that during our meeting with the Chief Adviser."

BNP leaders continue to emphasize that they are giving the government sufficient space to implement necessary electoral reforms. “Our discussions with the government are ongoing. We’re allowing them time to complete the reform process and schedule the election,” said Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, adviser to the BNP Chairperson.

When questioned regarding possible unrest if a roadmap is not declared in the near future, Alal explained, "Initiating a movement is not our priority at this moment. We have stood by this government up to now and expect them to hear the voice of the people and take appropriate action."

As per senior BNP policymakers, an early and timely election is most important to end the present political deadlock. They believe that a clear and transparent election timetable can be an essential step toward reviving national stability and economic momentum.

The BNP still insists that the interim government follow the public mood and international expectations by conducting the election as soon as possible and within a well-delineated timeline.