United News of Bangladesh

Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan on Monday said the Election Commission will announce the election roadmap in due time, keeping in mind the tentative schedule of the national election in the first half of April. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after exchanging Eid greetings with locals at Jahapur Bazar in Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla. In response to queries about both the national and local government elections, Adviser Asif said political parties had earlier expressed concerns that holding local government polls might delay the national election.  “Now that the Chief Adviser has set the national election timeline for April, there is no longer any such possibility,” he added. Nagorik Coalition call for election roadmap with buy-in from parties, Consensus Commission Underscoring the importance of local elections, he said the majority of public services are delivered through local government bodies.  “Due to the absence of elected representatives, these services have long been disrupted. While the interim government has undertaken various public welfare activities at the local level, there is no alternative to elected representatives to ensure daily services,” said Asif. He said the government has always shown genuine interest in holding local government elections.  “There are multiple tiers within the local government system, and assessments are being carried out to determine what can realistically be done. Based on the government’s decision, the Election Commission will be instructed to hold the elections,” he said. BNP disappointed over absence of clear election roadmap Cumilla Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Poddar and Muradnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Abdur Rahman, among other senior administrative officials, were present at the event.

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.

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. BNP alleges political motive behind Shammo murder 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. BNP’s Farroque urges govt to recognise public sentiment, hold early election 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. Mirza Abbas alleges systematic purge of pro-BNP officials from administration 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.”      

As the Chief Adviser’s recent address to the nation lacked a clear election roadmap, the BNP is considering renewed street protests along with its allies to press for a national election by December next. Speaking to UNB, several BNP policymakers said the party's leaders and activists are preparing to organise nationwide rallies and public gatherings from mid-April to May, demanding the restoration of democracy and the people's voting rights by holding elections as soon as possible. They also revealed plans to hold a large-scale public rally in Dhaka, where they intend to set a deadline for the government to announce the election date. BNP forms legal, health support cells for oppressed women, children If the government disregards their deadline, BNP leaders said they, along with their like-minded parties, will resort to tougher measures, such as laying siege to important government offices. Some BNP leaders said that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is also likely to return to the country in the middle of this month and may address some party programmes virtually, advocating for a quick national election. They believe that if the BNP chief raises her voice in favour of a quick election, it will strengthen their demand and galvanise public support. In a televised address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day and Eid-ul-Fitr on March 25, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said, “As I have said before, and I say again, elections will be held between December this year and June next year.” He also noted that the Consensus Commission is actively gathering opinions on reforms from all political parties. Dr Yunus’ speech disappointed the BNP as he did not present a "clear roadmap" for the national election, despite the party’s repeated calls for a specific deadline and prompt polls. BNP leader accuses Hasina's regime of exploiting Rohingya crisis “I am very disappointed that the Chief Adviser did not mention a clear election roadmap in his speech on March 25),” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He described the announcement of the election between December and June as a vague statement. “What I believe is that the lack of a specific election roadmap reflects the government’s political inexperience.” Fakhrul alleged that a certain quarter is consciously trying to delay the election to create difficulties for the BNP, as they believe the party will come to power if the election is held. “I don’t find any logical reason for delaying the election due to reforms. Reforms will continue, as will the election. The election can be arranged promptly by carrying out the minimum necessary reforms,” the BNP leader viewed. When asked about the party’s response if a potential crisis regarding the elections arises, he categorically replied that they will once again take to the streets in the interests of the people to restore their right to vote. A senior BNP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, their party now believes there is a deliberate effort to extend the tenure of the interim government and delay the elections, with the need for reforms being used as a pretext. Amid these concerns, he mentioned that senior BNP leaders, including potential candidates for the next election, visited their constituencies during Eid-ul-Fitr and conducted mass campaigns to garner public support in favour of holding the election as soon as possible. They also instructed the party's grassroots leaders and activists to prepare for another movement to ramp up pressure on the current government to leave power with dignity by holding the election within this year. Another BNP standing committee member their policymakers are initially planning to hold rallies in all divisional cities, including Dhaka, from mid-April. “A strong push must be made to mount pressure on the interim government to hold the election. We’ve recently held rallies in various districts to make our stance on the election clear. This trend will continue. We’ll gradually intensify the movement with tougher action programmes, including marches toward the Chief Adviser’s office and the Election Commission,” he said. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said their senior leaders and promising candidates visited their constituencies during the Eid occasion and exchanged views with the public. “Since people are eager to vote, the issue of elections naturally came up during greetings and mass communication with voters,” he explained. Another BNP Standing Committee member, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, said the interim government should not buy more time for the election in the name of reforms. “Reform is an ongoing process. We want reforms, but elections cannot be delayed for them. Elections must be held as soon as possible. Necessary reforms should be done to organise a free, fair, and acceptable election, and the remaining reforms can be carried out by the elected government.” He also said they have been supporting the interim government and cooperating with it for holding a credible national election. “But if it resorts to ploys to prolong its power unnecessarily, we will not sit idle. We have been on the streets for 17 years to restore democracy and voting rights. We will again take to the streets in the interests of the people.”