BNP Standing Committee criticises chief adviser's speech, calls for national election by December
The standing committee expressed deep dissatisfaction with what it termed as “politically inappropriate and undignified language” used by the chief adviser
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has sharply criticised the chief adviser's address to the nation delivered last evening (6 June), stating that it exceeded the bounds of a religious message and turned into a full political speech.
The remarks came during last night's meeting of the BNP's National Standing Committee, which was chaired by the party's Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman.
In a press statement released after the meeting, BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General said the speech touched on issues such as ports and corridors—subjects that, according to the chief adviser himself, fall outside the interim government's three core mandates.
The standing committee expressed deep dissatisfaction with what it termed as "politically inappropriate and undignified language" used by the chief adviser.
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The BNP further rejected the chief adviser's proposed election timeline, expressing concern over the possibility of holding elections in early April.
The party argued that this would coincide with unfavourable weather conditions and the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, making political campaigning difficult and potentially causing further delays in the election process.
The committee questioned why general elections could not be held by December 2025, pointing out that the chief adviser failed to provide any clear justification for the delay.
Highlighting the sacrifices made by the people of Bangladesh, including enforced disappearances, killings, imprisonment, and torture, over the past 15 years to reclaim their voting rights, the BNP emphasised the urgency of restoring democracy through timely elections.
Through the press statement, Rizvi noted that the mass protests and sacrifices of students and the public during July-August 2024 had already paved the way for democratic revival.
The BNP reiterated its demand for the national elections to be held no later than December 2025, taking into account Ramadan, public examinations (such as SSC and HSC), and weather conditions.
While the chief adviser claimed that the interim non-partisan government aims to establish political consensus, the BNP alleged that the administration is being influenced by a particular political faction.
The statement warned that ignoring the views of the majority of political parties undermines the government's neutrality and casts serious doubt on the possibility of holding a free and fair election.
Through the press statement, BNP expressed concern that such developments could justifiably raise alarm among the people of Bangladesh regarding the credibility of the upcoming electoral process.
Earlier last night, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the nation's expectations were not fulfilled with the chief adviser's speech regarding the fresh roadmap for the next parliamentary election.
In an immediate reaction, Salahuddin said that their party Standing Committee would sit for an emergency meeting at 9pm, chaired by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
The BNP leader said they would elaborately discuss the matter and work out the next course of action.
