Though the BNP has been consistently calling for a national election along with swift reforms, party leaders now fear that their December election deadline may quietly slip away, as the interim government appears to be dragging its feet and showing no sign of preparing for the polls.
Talking to UNB, some senior BNP leaders said nine months after the interim government's formation, its lack of focus on elections and controversial moves—such as allowing human corridors to Rakhine and outsourcing port operations—have raised doubts about its true intentions.
In such a situation, they said the party rank and file is mounting pressure to take to the streets to force the government to announce a clear election roadmap and hold the election within this year.
A BNP leader, wishing to remain anonymous, said the party fears that the ban on activities of the Awami League, growing conflicts among the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, increasing unnecessary street protests, and a slide in the law and order situation may complicate the political scenario in the country in the days to come.
He said they are also concerned about the new political polarisation and its impact on the national election following the ban on the Awami League’s activities until the completion of its trial and that of its leaders.
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The BNP leader said they suspect that the ban on the Awami League’s activities and the suspension of the party’s registration with the Election Commission may be part of a ploy by local and international actors to prolong the power of the interim government.
He said their last standing committee meeting discussed the issues of election and reforms, and most members voiced frustration over the lack of visible progress toward holding the election.
The BNP leader said they also discussed the growing pressure from grassroots leaders and activists to launch a movement demanding the government hold the election by December this year.
Three BNP Standing Committee members have recently expressed both concern and anger over the delay in the election.
On 12 May, senior BNP leader Mirza Abbas alleged that many dubious foreigners are arriving in Bangladesh, accusing the interim government of serving the interests of others rather than the people of the country.
He also accused the government of orchestrating various incidents to divert public attention from its misdeeds.
Abbas also alleged that a deliberate effort is underway to eliminate their party, claiming that pro-BNP officials are being replaced by those loyal to the Awami League or Jamaat-e-Islami in the administration and other key government offices.
A day earlier, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that their party had on various occasions demanded that the Awami League, as a party, be brought under trial, but the government had not paid any heed.
“Had the Chief Adviser taken the matter into consideration at that time, it would not have led to the embarrassing situation of the last two days (demonstration at Shahbagh),” he added.
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Claiming that people across the country are eager to vote in the next parliamentary elections, the BNP leader said, “For that, we have called upon the Chief Adviser to announce a roadmap for the next election soon. Otherwise, such an embarrassing situation may arise again.”
On 13 May, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said their party had already made it clear that they are ready to implement any reform proposals agreed upon through political consensus.
“So, why is the delay? Why cannot we know where the consensus stands? We have all submitted our proposals. We are waiting to see where the consensus is. But we still cannot know where it lies. Why the hesitation in stating that?” he said.
“You cannot hold the people hostage and then talk about reforms solely to serve the interests of a select few. There is no longer any scope in Bangladesh to impose anything by force while excluding the people. That time is over,” he said.
The BNP leader lamented that those who once hid in fear of Sheikh Hasina are now lecturing others on reforms.
“Every now and then, new issues are brought forward, reforms are dragged out, and the overall situation is kept in a state of flux. It appears to be part of a larger conspiracy to defer elections indefinitely,” a member of the BNP Standing Committee told UNB on condition of anonymity.
He said their party is now holding youth rallies in all divisions to drum up support and encourage the new generation to become involved in BNP politics.
“Our youth rally will be held on 28 May with a massive showdown in Dhaka. From that rally, the BNP will send out a strong message to the government not to unnecessarily delay the election,” the BNP leader said.
Contacted, BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said they are observing a move to delay the election on various pretexts, including the reform process.
“Delaying the elections could create further instability and give the Awami League time to reorganise and create chaos in the country. If elections are delayed, the situation may spiral out of control,” he warned.
The BNP leader said although the interim government’s role should be to restore the people’s mandate, it seems to lack genuine interest in doing so.
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He urged the government to come up with a clear electoral roadmap as soon as possible. “The people—especially the youth—want to vote. A fair BNP-Election
to be held, and the reforms must be completed quickly.”