BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed disappointment over the Chief Adviser’s announcement regarding the national election timeline, saying it has disheartened not just the BNP, but the entire nation.

“We have always demanded a prompt election and hoped that a date for holding it by December would be announced,” he said while speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from Bangkok early Saturday.

Fakhrul said Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, in his address to the nation, has announced that the polls will be held in early April. “Undoubtedly, this has frustrated not only us but the whole nation,” he said.

The BNP leader said their party’s official statement on the matter would be given later following an internal discussion and decision.

He extended Eid greetings to the country’s people and expressed his gratitude to them for praying for his speedy recovery.

BNP unhappy with April election plan, renews Dec polls demand

Fakhrul, who underwent treatment for an eye condition in Bangkok, returned home on a Thai Airways flight that landed at 1:25am.

He was accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum.

The BNP Secretary General travelled to Bangkok on May 13 on the advice of physicians at United Hospital.

The following day, he was admitted to Rutnin Eye Hospital, where he underwent successful surgery on his left eye.

Earlier on Friday evening, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in his address to the nation, announced that the next national election will be held sometime in the first half of April 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to reform, justice and democratic progress.

“After reviewing the ongoing reforms in justice, governance and the electoral process, I am announcing today that the next national election will be held in the first half of April 2026,” he said.