BNP welcomes, Jamaat and NCP critique, businesses cautious
The BNP hailed the roadmap, while Jamaat-e-Islami dismissed it as “premature and partial”, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) called it a “breach of promise” by the interim government.
As the countdown began for the next national polls with the Election Commission's announcement of an early-February roadmap, reactions from the political parties were mixed, while business leaders responded with cautious optimism.
The BNP hailed the roadmap, while Jamaat-e-Islami dismissed it as "premature and partial", and the National Citizen Party (NCP) called it a "breach of promise" by the interim government.
Business leaders, meanwhile, said confidence hinges on a free, fair, and credible election.
In his reaction, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed in a statement on the party's media cell Facebook page today (28 August) described the timing as "right".
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"We expect that the elections will be held in accordance with this roadmap," he wrote.
Another Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury echoed the sentiment, saying the roadmap had raised hopes for an elected government and a functional parliament.
"A roadmap for the election has been announced today, it's good news. People are now turning towards the election. Everyone is waiting – there will be an election in the country, an elected government will come, a parliament will be formed," he said at a seminar.
Jamaat, however, dismissed the roadmap as "conventional and somewhat misleading". Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said the nation expected a free, fair, and credible election in February, but key questions remained unresolved.
"Even the legal basis of the July Charter and the process of its implementation have not been finalised. In this situation, this roadmap is premature and partial, failing to reflect the public's expectations," he said.
Parwar argued that the charter's legal framework and implementation process should have been settled before announcing any roadmap.
The newly formed NCP also expressed dissatisfaction, accusing the interim government of "breaching promises".
Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adeeb told a press conference that the roadmap should have followed the announcement of a July Charter implementation plan. "This misstep could create future crises for which the government must bear responsibility," he warned.
In contrast, Ganosamhati Andolan welcomed the roadmap. Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki called it the "official declaration of the interim government's election roadmap" and urged all political forces to work together to ensure the process is not disrupted.
He proposed forming a multi-party monitoring committee to oversee the government's role in ensuring a fair election and drafting a code of conduct with participation from all parties.
"If there is any problem or violation of the election code of conduct anywhere in the country, this committee will play a role in resolving it," Saki said. He further called for dialogue on the voter list, electoral environment, and related matters.
Business leaders hopeful
Business leaders were cautiously supportive but stressed the need for swift progress.
Anwar Ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez, president of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries, said business confidence hinged on a free, fair, and credible election.
"The current environment is not suitable for investment. There is a lack of safety and security, the police are still inactive, and mob culture is on the rise. We fear this culture may become permanent. That is why we are waiting for an acceptable election soon.
He added, "Once a proper election is held, business confidence will return."
Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, president of the Bangladesh Employers' Federation, said the roadmap could help restore some confidence, and insisted an elected government must take office quickly.
"The current situation is not favourable for trade and investment. Many key officials in the interim government are making decisions based more on foreign prescriptions than national interests, and they can't withstand external pressure. If this continues, business confidence will collapse. Without an early election, there is no chance of restoring confidence," he said.
