BNP to intensify push for early polls soon
Abu Jakir :
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a major political entity, has outlined an ambitious plan for a series of large-scale rallies and events aimed at pressuring the interim Yunus government to expedite the announcement of an election roadmap.
As the political climate intensifies, the BNP is positioning itself as the voice of the people, advocating for early elections to restore governance and democracy in the country.
Over the coming weeks, the BNP intends to hold rallies, discussions, workshops, and yard meetings across all regions of the country.
These gatherings aim to present the party’s 31-point reform outline, which not only highlights structural reforms needed for governance but also serves as a foundation for its electoral promises.
By projecting these plans to the public, the BNP hopes to rally support for its cause, emphasizing the urgency of early elections.
“We will persistently urge the government to announce an election roadmap through our rallies and organizational activities.
If the government fails to respond to our call, we will launch a movement, if necessary, to safeguard the people’s voting rights,” BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal told The New Nation. He further criticized the interim government for its perceived
failure to address the country’s economic challenges, particularly the soaring prices of essentials and deteriorating law and order.
“This interim government is supposed to pave the way for elections, not prolong its tenure under the guise of reforms,” Alal said, adding that delays would only deepen the nation’s crises.
The BNP’s Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman has also raised concerns over the delay in elections, warning of increasing conspiracies.
Speaking virtually at the Chuadanga District BNP Conference, he said, “The longer the elections are delayed, the more conspiracies will intensify.
Autocrats, who have faced years of public protests, are not idle. They continue to conspire with domestic and international allies.”
The BNP’s demand for early elections stems from its belief that prolonged reforms by the interim government could undermine democratic norms.
The party has made it clear that while it supports essential reforms for fair elections, these should be completed within a reasonable timeframe, leaving larger structural changes to an elected government.
Intensified Ground Campaigns
As part of its strategy, the BNP plans to organize large rallies in 10 organizational divisions, starting next month.
These rallies will serve as a platform to amplify the party’s demands and highlight its vision for a democratic Bangladesh.
Additionally, the BNP has announced a major rally in Dhaka on December 16, coinciding with Victory Day celebrations, to showcase its political strength.
The recent rally in Dhaka on November 7, held to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day, demonstrated the BNP’s capacity to mobilize large crowds.
According to senior BNP leaders, the event reaffirmed the party’s position as the largest political force in the country.
“This rally proved once again that the BNP cannot be sidelined. Any major decision regarding the country’s governance must involve the BNP,” said a Standing Committee member.
Building Alliances and Avoiding Divisions
To ensure unity within the opposition, the BNP has instructed its leaders to maintain a cooperative relationship with its allies, including Jamaat-e-Islami.
The party is focused on avoiding rifts over election strategies and forming a national consensus to strengthen its demands. This is seen as critical in the lead-up to the 13th parliamentary elections.
Government’s Stance on Reforms
The interim government, led by Yunus, has announced reforms in six key sectors to prevent the recurrence of authoritarian rule and ensure fair elections. Recently, six additional commissions were established to address issues in sectors such as media, governance, and economic policies.
However, the government has emphasized that elections will only be held after significant progress is made in these reforms.
Nahid Islam, the Information and Broadcasting Adviser, reiterated this position in a recent interview with Channel 24.
“The government is accountable to the aspirations of the people, not to any political party. Elections will proceed based on the progress of the Reform Commission’s work, regardless of the BNP’s pressure,” she said.
The BNP, however, views these delays as detrimental. Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned that postponing elections would exacerbate the country’s problems and fuel public discontent.
“Fair elections are the responsibility of an elected government. The interim government’s role should be limited to facilitating this process,” he said.
Roadmap or Resistance?
In a Standing Committee meeting on November 4, the BNP decided that if an election roadmap is not announced by December, the party will escalate its protests from March to April next year.
This timeline reflects the BNP’s strategy to gradually build momentum, ensuring maximum public engagement in its campaign.