BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday questioned whose agenda Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is serving by repeatedly citing vague election timeframes—such as December or June—instead of providing a specific and concrete roadmap.
“Why can't you settle down on one timeline? You are a world-famous and respected person. Such shifting won’t be well received nationally and internationally,” he said while addressing the National Representative Council 2025 of the Bhasani Anushari Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club auditorium.
Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the Chief Adviser, during his last meeting with BNP, promised that his government’s activities would be carried out with the aim of holding the national election by December this year.
He said their party also spoke to the Election Commission, which informed them it would be ready by June this year to conduct the election.
The BNP leader urged the government to take prompt steps to establish a democratic government elected by the people’s vote.
“Several thousand people were martyred for the restoration of the right to vote, democratic rights, and constitutional rights, ultimately achieving the return of elections. Fascism also collapsed through mass uprisings. Now, by denying that very election, whom are you trying to encourage, and which unconstitutional force is benefiting from it?” he said.
Current Govt Unelected
Salahuddin said whenever BNP demands the promised electoral roadmap from the Chief Adviser to hold the national election by December various advisers make conflicting statements at different times to divert attention from the issue.
He said the Home Affairs Adviser recently claimed people want the interim government to remain in power for five years.
BNP requests meeting with CA to dispel election confusion
The BNP leader also referred to Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter’s remarks on Saturday, where she claimed that the interim government was 'elected' by the people through a mass uprising.
"If that’s the case, then why does the country even have an Election Commission? A change in government through street movements may reflect public sentiment, but it cannot be a substitute for an elected government. You are undoubtedly unelected, and that will be reminded to you every day," he said, pointing at the current government.
Depoliticisation
Salahuddin expressed frustration that not all democratic parties are speaking out in unison in favour of holding timely elections and restoring democracy promptly. “We have a wide range of experiences. Even those who orchestrated the 1/11 changeover remained in power for two years under various pretexts,” he recalled.
Referring to the political shift in 2007, Salahuddin said the then Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin-led regime made significant efforts to depoliticise the country. “I’m not saying similar steps are visible at present. But we are like a burnt child that fears even the slightest sign of fire,” he said.
Salahuddin said the one-point movement that launched against Sheikh Hasina regime was rooted in a deep desire to restore democratic and constitutional rights and to establish a fair and equal society.
He clarified that the recent student uprising was not a social or economic revolution, but a democratic movement against fascism aimed at reclaiming the people’s rights.
Salahuddin recalled Bhasani’s contributions to the country and to establishing the rights of working people.
The BNP leader bemoaned that though Moulana Bhasani was one of the founders and key leaders of the Awami League, the party did not recognise his role and contributions.
He welcomed the Bhasani Janashakti Party, a new political group formed by the Bhasani Anushari Parishad, which aims to build a fair and prosperous Bangladesh.
“Another new force has joined the journey of democracy in Bangladesh. We hope they will play a positive role in favour of the country's democracy and the people,” Salahuddin said.