BNP on Thursday issued a stark warning that it may be forced to reconsider its cooperation with the interim government if a specific roadmap for holding the next general election within December next is not announced immediately.

Speaking at a press conference, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain also urged the interim government to immediately relieve certain ‘controversial advisors’, including those who allegedly have affiliations with a newly formed political party and the National Security Adviser, for the sake of neutrality and the government’s reputation.

“The highest priority now is to establish an elected political government as soon as possible in accordance with the aspirations of the people, in order to restore the lost democratic rights, constitutional rights, human rights and voting rights, embodying the aspirations of the student-led July mass uprising,” he said.

“So, we demand an immediate announcement of a specific roadmap for the formation of a national parliament by December 2025 through a fair, free and impartial election,” he added.

Mosharraf said the primary agenda of this interim government should be to meet the people’s highest aspiration which is a credible national election. “Otherwise, it will be difficult for the BNP, as a party of the people, to continue its cooperation with this government,” he warned.

BNP’s 8-day programme marking Zia’s death anniversary

The BNP leader said the interim government must ensure neutrality as it prepares for the upcoming national election, and stressed that retaining politically biased individuals in advisory roles is damaging to both the government's image and public confidence.

“Everyone knows and understands that some advisors of the interim government are directly and indirectly involved with a new political party and their presence in the advisory council is constantly questioning the non-partisan identity of the government. So, it is necessary to relieve them of their duties to protect the image of the government,” he said.

BNP is protector of national sovereignty: Salahuddin

Dr Mosharraf said Wednesday’s comment by National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman involving BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has sparked fresh controversy.

“To protect the integrity of the government, he too must be relieved of his duties. We have raised the demand for the removal of some advisors who are cohorts of fascism many times in the past,” he said.

Since the main task of this government is to hold a national parliamentary election, the BNP leader said it is advisable to have a leaner advisory council to conduct routine work (daily activities) instead of having a large advisory council.

He also said if the government disregards the party’s proposals and concerns raised in the press conference, as in the past, the BNP will be compelled to reconsider its cooperation with the interim administration.

The BNP Standing Committee arranged the press conference at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office.

BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed were also present at the press conference.

Asked who the controversial advisers are, the BNP leader said, “I mentioned it in the press conference… even if I don’t name them, you all know who they are.”

Read public pulse, accelerate democratic transition: Moyeen Khan to govt

Mosharraf said some recent activities of the interim government have created public doubt regarding its neutrality. “But it is being observed that implementing the agenda of certain quarters for political gain has become part of the government's action plan.”

He said the sole mandate of the interim government is to conduct a fair, free, and impartial national parliamentary election. “But, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, acting as the government’s spokesperson, has claimed that this administration has a mandate to do everything.”

The BNP leader stressed the need to examine whether the government's various statements and actions regarding the humanitarian corridor and the Chattogram Port are truly serving national interests. “The people of this country do not believe that the interim provisional government has the authority to take such nationally significant and long-term policy decisions.”

He asserted that any decision on such matters should only be taken by a government elected by the people on the basis of national consensus.

Regarding the reform process and trial of the Awami League, Mosharraf said both reform and electoral processes can continue simultaneously while the trial of the fallen fascist forces, individuals, the party, and those accused of crimes against humanity will also proceed.

On the NCP’s demonstration in front of the Election Commission (EC), he said despite ongoing discussions to formulate a reform charter based on political consensus, one party’s decision to lay siege to the EC over similar issues and demands for local government elections has embarrassed both the BNP and the government.

The BNP leader said although the Election Commission was legally constituted through a search committee, a quarter still demands its reconstitution.

 “The government may not always seek everyone’s opinion while restructuring constitutional bodies, but in this case, all sides were represented. Yet the Election Commission is being unfairly and irrationally questioned for issuing a gazette notification in accordance with a court verdict concerning the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation,” he said.

Mosharraf said the EC’s constitutional responsibility is to conduct presidential and parliamentary elections. “In that context, the move to besiege the EC over local government polls appears deliberate and mysterious.”

In response to a question, he said the EC was formed by the search committee with opinions from all parties. “We believe that the calls for its reconstitution are aimed at creating confusion and delaying the national election.”

Mosharraf urged the government to respect the verdicts of the Election Tribunal and the High Court and promptly arrange for Ishraque Hossain to be sworn in as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.

‘Dramas’ being staged to divert attention from people’s voting rights: BNP’s Farroque

He criticised the government for acting only under pressure rather than in a timely manner, saying that this behaviour has damaged its credibility and encouraged others to follow similar tactics to press their demands. “We believe the government bears full responsibility for this unfortunate and embarrassing situation.”

In replying to a question, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the country is heading towards elections in December, which is also the expectation of the nation. “With this in view, the government should begin transitioning into a caretaker mode with a limited number of advisory council members.”

He said the current advisory committee must be downsized as part of this transition. “Previously, a caretaker government comprised only 10 advisers. If we are committed to neutrality, those who are controversial must be excluded.”

The BNP Standing Committee arranged the press conference at the party Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on the country’s latest political situation.

Alongside Mosharraf and Khosru, BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed were also present.