BNP seeks meeting with CA Yunus to discuss election timeline
According to the BNP, necessary electoral reforms could be introduced through a single ordinance by the interim government
The BNP has requested an appointment with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to resolve confusion regarding the national election.
"We have sought time to meet the Chief Adviser. After meeting with him, we will talk about this (election) issue," said BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed.
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He made the remarks at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office when journalists asked for his comments on the party's future course of action to pressure the government into organising the national election by December this year.
Salahuddin said they will certainly urge the Chief Adviser to present a clear roadmap for the next parliamentary election.
"We will urge him to clearly present the roadmap for the national election through the proper process, so that the sense of instability and uncertainty over the election issue is removed," he said.
The BNP leader said a clear election roadmap is necessary not only to address the election issue but also to restore political stability and inject dynamism into economic activities.
He said they will also ask Dr Yunus to ensure the election is held in December, which provides sufficient time for the interim government to organise the polls.
"We have previously discussed this with the Election Commission, and they have confirmed that they will be able to complete all preparations for the election by June," Salahuddin said.
He also noted that the Chief Adviser also assured them earlier that his government is working to ensure the election is held by December.
"Given the confusion surrounding the election due to statements from various parties on different issues, we will call upon the Chief Advisor to clear it," the BNP leader said.
He also talked about BNP's various reform proposals submitted to the National Consensus Commission.
Salahuddin said the BNP has proposed constitutional changes to ensure a better balance within the state.
He said the constitution should be restored to its original form before the 15th amendment.
The BNP leader said they want the constitution to reinstate the caretaker government system. "But, we have not made any statement about abolishing secularism. This has been misinterpreted.
In his recent speech to the nation on 26 March, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reiterated that the national election will be held between December this year and June next year.
"I have said before and I am reiterating again, the election will take place between December this year and June next year. We want the upcoming election to be the most free, fair, and credible in the history of Bangladesh," he said.
In response to which, terming Yunus' statement as "vague," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir demanded an immediate "clear roadmap."
"This [election will be held between December and June] is vague... It's an extremely unclear statement. December to June... six months. So, no roadmap has been provided," he said.
