Staff Reporter :
BNP senior leader Amir Khosru has urged the interim government to promptly announce an election roadmap to reassure citizens that the country is on track towards elections and the restoration of democracy.
Speaking to reporters following a meeting with the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Khosru expressed concern that the lack of a clear election roadmap had created uncertainty and doubt among the public.
He warned that this uncertainty could jeopardise the future of democracy and the electoral process in Bangladesh.
“The absence of a defined election plan has left the public questioning when they will regain democratic governance and the ability to shape the future through elections,” Khosru said.
“It is vital for the government to present an election roadmap without delay to reassure the people that we are indeed heading towards a democratic restoration.”
The BNP Standing Committee member further stressed that elections are fundamental to democracy and that the nation must be convinced that it is moving towards this goal. He also noted that the government should draft a national charter based on agreed reforms that already have political consensus.
Khosru reiterated the importance of a roadmap that reflects political consensus. “In Bangladesh, we are not looking to establish Baksal,” he remarked.
“While political parties may have differing views, a democracy allows for those differences. However, reforms must be based on agreements already reached, and any changes should come through democratic processes and with the people’s mandate.”
He expressed frustration that many of the reform proposals submitted by political parties have not yet been presented to the nation.
“Discussions are complete, and areas of consensus should be identified swiftly-within a week,” he said. “It is time to inform the public about the points of agreement, sign a charter based on this, and move forward with elections. There is no need for further delays.”
Khosru also highlighted the importance of assuring both domestic and international stakeholders that Bangladesh is committed to a democratic transition. He noted that questions about the election timeline had arisen during a recent investment summit.
BJP Chairman Andalib Rahman Partha, who was part of the 10-member BJP delegation attending the meeting, reaffirmed his party’s position on the need for a national charter to be drawn up based on the agreed reforms.
Partha emphasised that although political parties may have disagreements, the election process should not be delayed nor should uncertainty continue in the name of achieving unanimous agreement.
“I believe elections can be held before December,” Partha said. “The public now demands a clear electoral roadmap without any further delay. The government must prioritise this immediately.”
The meeting marked the first interaction between the BNP and BJP in six years. Partha had distanced his party from the BNP-led alliance following the 2018 election, citing disagreements over BNP’s decision to join parliament.
BNP has been engaging with its alliance partners since April 17 to strategise its approach for the upcoming elections.
