BNP, allies call for reforms, defined poll dates
Abu Jakir :
The recently announced election timeline by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has drawn criticism from major political parties in Bangladesh, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a clear and specific roadmap.
Political leaders have voiced concerns that the announcement fails to address key reforms or provide a definitive schedule for the next general elections.
In a televised address on Monday, Dr. Yunus suggested that the elections might take place between late 2025 and the first half of 2026. While the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acknowledged the announcement in principle, it raised concerns about its lack of detail.
At a press conference in Gulshan on Thursday, BNP Secretary General
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated, “We had expected a comprehensive roadmap from the Chief Adviser, but none was provided.
This lack of specificity has left us disappointed.” The remarks followed a BNP standing committee meeting the previous evening, where the party deliberated on the timeline.
Mirza Fakhrul also criticised the interim government, claiming, “Although the Election Commission has been formed, there is no visible preparation for conducting the elections.”
BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed added, “The Chief Adviser has provided only a general idea about the election timeline, but it lacks clarity. Free and fair elections require significant reforms, which, in our view, could be implemented within four to six months.”
Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar shared similar sentiments, saying, “The timeline appears positive, but it needs more specificity.
We trust that the Yunus-led government will implement the necessary reforms and hold credible elections within the suggested timeframe.”
Shahadat Hossain, spokesperson for the 12-party alliance aligned with the BNP, also expressed reservations.
“The Chief Adviser’s statement came four months after the interim government was formed, yet it fails to outline the time required for reforms or provide a specific election date,” he said, adding that many parties, including theirs, prefer elections by June 2025.
Leftist parties joined the call for greater clarity. Ruhin Hossain, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), remarked, “While the Chief Adviser’s timeline is a step forward, it is crucial to establish a detailed roadmap through dialogue with political stakeholders. This would ensure elections by 2025.”
Political parties across the spectrum have called for immediate dialogue with the interim government to outline a definitive roadmap for electoral reforms and a specific election date.
With six proposed reform commissions expected to submit recommendations by early January, political leaders are optimistic that consultations will address their concerns and foster political stability.
As uncertainty persists, the nation looks to the interim government for further clarity. A detailed roadmap could ease tensions, pave the way for credible elections, and ensure political and economic stability in Bangladesh.