The country's largest political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has opted not to adopt a hardline stance for now, instead increasing political pressure on the interim government to hold national elections by December, party officials said.
The party said that the interim government is dragging its feet on announcing a clear election roadmap, warning of political and economic instability if delays persist. Party leaders said they are pursuing a dual strategy of public engagement and coalition-building with like-minded groups to press for early polls.
To this end, BNP wants to continue public-related programs such as meetings and rallies by the party and its affiliates at the central, divisional, metropolitan, district and upazila levels across the country. Among them, the Jubo Dal, the Swechhasebak Dal and the Chhatra Dal will hold 8 rallies across the country this month.
In addition, various programs will be held with the partner parties, like-minded alliances and parties of the simultaneous anti-fascist movement. All programs will be systematic and democratic. Tarique Rahman's party will not take any hard line against the government. This program is to continue the urge for early elections and to communicate with the people.
BNP met with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on April 16 to demand a firm timeline. However, party officials expressed dissatisfaction after no date was confirmed. A subsequent meeting with the National Consensus Commission also failed to yield clarity.
According to relevant sources, BNP leaders believe that although the government is talking about holding national elections between December and June, the interim government is largely indifferent when it comes to the election. Rather, in the language of the advisers, some BNP leaders feel that the government has no problem even if the election is moved from June 2026 to December.
The government is not yet taking the election into account in practice. That is, they are not seeing any signs of an election in the government's activities. As a result, many BNP policymakers have expressed concerns and anxiety about the election.
“We are worried and anxious about the election timeline," BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told local media. “Though we’ve had two meetings with the government, the timeline has shifted — first it was December, then moved to June. Advisers are giving conflicting statements, suggesting they are leaning towards delaying the polls.”
The comments come amid growing uncertainty over the government’s plans. Despite informal assurances that polls could be held between December 2025 and June 2026, BNP leaders say they see little indication of preparations on the ground.
Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, a member of the party’s National Standing Committee, told Bangladesh Pratidin, “Even though fascism has fallen, human rights have not yet been established. We are talking about elections to restore those rights. If national elections are not held soon, the country may face various political and economic crises.”
“But so far the interim government has not been able to announce any roadmap for the elections. In this situation, we will move forward with a united decision through discussions with all like-minded parties, InshaAllah. However, we hope that the government of Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus will reassure the countrymen by announcing the election roadmap and voting date as soon as possible,” he added.
(Translated by Tanvir Raihan)
