Abu Jakir :
As Bangladesh navigates a politically charged period, three major opposition parties-the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)-are preparing to launch separate street movements after Eid-ul-Fitr.
BNP has already begun district-level rallies demanding immediate national elections. Post-Eid, the party plans to escalate its efforts with divisional rallies to pressure the interim administration into announcing an election timeline.
Jamaat-e-Islami is also set to hold divisional and district-level rallies, advocating for the release of its detained leaders and pushing for legal actions against political opponents.
Meanwhile, the newly formed NCP is prioritizing structural reforms over immediate election campaigns, opting for
policy-based programs instead.
For months, BNP has demanded early elections, increasing pressure on the interim government. Alongside street protests, the party has issued ultimatums, warning of intensified demonstrations if its demands are ignored.
Political analysts believe Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP are pushing for comprehensive state reforms before national elections take place. Some suggest that if these demands gain traction, elections may be delayed beyond this year. Both parties have also indicated their preference for prioritizing local elections as a preliminary step before national polls.
Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, recently stated that if political parties agree to minimal reforms before elections, polls will be held in December. However, if they demand more extensive reforms, elections may be postponed until June next year.
During Ramadan, political parties have focused on iftar gatherings, engaging with professionals, diplomats, and organizational leaders. Unless unexpected developments occur, large-scale street movements are unlikely before Eid.
BNP insiders reveal that the party will escalate its demonstrations if it perceives attempts to delay elections. BNP has firmly rejected any moves to postpone polls under the guise of governance reforms. Several left-wing democratic groups and religious-based parties aligned with BNP also support early elections.
Discussions within BNP’s leadership indicate that divisional rallies will be a core component of its post-Eid political strategy. The BNP Standing Committee is expected to finalize its plans in the coming days.
Rejecting recent calls to prioritize local elections before national polls, BNP leaders emphasize their primary focus remains on the general election. Party officials have pledged to increase pressure on the interim government immediately after Eid.
At a recent public event, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed issued a one-month ultimatum to the interim government, demanding a clear election schedule. He warned that failure to comply would lead BNP and its allies to escalate their movement.
Speaking to The New Nation, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Advocate Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal reinforced the party’s stance:”We have not struggled for 17 years for local elections. Our activists have faced abductions, killings, and persecution in the fight for a free, fair, and impartial national election. If the government continues to stall, we will have no choice but to intensify our movement.”
Jamaat-e-Islami has maintained that institutional reforms should take precedence before national elections, advocating for local elections as a stepping stone. Although the party has yet to announce a structured action plan, its messaging has consistently emphasized these demands.
Jamaat has also protested against the death sentence of its former acting Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam, convicted of crimes against humanity. Party leaders have vowed to escalate demonstrations if his release is delayed.
Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Abdullah Mohammad Taher provided further insight into the party’s post-Eid plans:
“Our movement’s structure may shift based on unfolding events. However, divisional rallies are confirmed for after Eid, followed by district-wide gatherings.”
He also warned that prolonged delays in ATM Azharul Islam’s release could lead Jamaat to escalate its protests.
The National Citizens’ Party (NCP), formed in the wake of the “July Uprising,” has yet to formally announce its next steps, but public curiosity surrounding its agenda is growing.
Party leaders have indicated plans to apply for official registration with the Election Commission (EC) either during Ramadan or shortly after Eid. Simultaneously, they are drafting policy initiatives centered on governance reforms, election restructuring, and forming a Constituent Assembly.
NCP has positioned itself as an advocate for sweeping institutional changes, prioritizing legal actions against former political leaders. Unlike BNP and Jamaat, NCP is firmly opposed to early national elections, a stance they plan to reinforce post-Eid.
Discussions with NCP insiders suggest the party is in the process of finalizing its organizational framework, selecting a headquarters, designing its logo, and drafting its constitution. A special program is planned for March 26, Bangladesh’s Independence Day.
NCP’s Joint Convener, Sarwar Tushar, said: “After Eid, we will unveil programs aimed at mobilizing public support for a Constituent Assembly election.”
