Reza Mahmud :
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has outlined a series of plans aimed at achieving its goal of holding national elections soon, despite challenges posed by the interim government’s focus on implementing extensive reforms.
According to party sources, the BNP intends to exert sustained pressure on the government to expedite the reform process and swiftly announce an election roadmap.
To strengthen its position, the party is reshuffling committees and conducting internal reforms to remove leaders implicated in corruption and malpractice.
As part of its strategy, the BNP is actively engaging with development partner countries to garner support for its demand for timely elections.
When contacted, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain expressed optimism that the interim government would announce an election roadmap soon, as the public eagerly anticipates it.
He emphasised the party’s commitment to uniting the nation to build a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh.
BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury highlighted the holding elections promptly for economic necessity stating that without a politically elected government, both domestic and foreign investors would lack confidence, potentially causing significant economic setbacks.
He urged the government to prioritise elections to ensure stability and investment growth.
Shama Obaed, BNP Organising Secretary and a member of the party’s diplomatic wing, noted the party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational structure while maintaining strong relationships with development partners. She also highlighted BNP’s concerns regarding the delays in the election process and the potential implications for governance and public sentiment.
To foster public support, the BNP is working to strengthen alliances with other political parties, although challenges remain, particularly in its relations with former ally Jamaat-e-Islami.
Party insiders reveal concerns over foreign support for the interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, which they perceive as a significant obstacle.
During an interactive session with EU ambassadors on 9 December, European diplomats reaffirmed their support for the interim government’s reform efforts.
The BNP leadership believes this support poses a challenge to their electoral aspirations.
To counter this, the party has intensified its diplomatic outreach, engaging foreign diplomats to highlight their concerns over delayed polls and the potential for instability if elections are postponed.
BNP leaders have clarified that they are not opposed to reform initiatives but insist that only an elected government can implement sustainable reforms.
hey argue that prolonged reforms under an unelected administration could harm the national economy, as investors-both domestic and international-await a politically legitimate government to create a stable business environment.
The party also fears that delays in the election process might pave the way for destabilising forces to exploit the situation, drawing parallels with previous crises. As part of its plans, the BNP is working closely with its diplomatic wing to convey these concerns to key stakeholders and ensure a favourable response.
