BNP disappointed over absence of clear election roadmap, says advisory council's statement 'misleading' | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Saturday
May 31, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025
BNP disappointed over absence of clear election roadmap, says advisory council's statement 'misleading'

Politics

UNB
27 May, 2025, 06:25 pm
Last modified: 27 May, 2025, 08:50 pm

Related News

  • Bangladesh, Japan to sign Economic Partnership Agreement by year-end
  • Expatriates' remittance helps Bangladesh make turnaround: CA
  • CA for making youth aware of tobacco's harmful effects
  • Provide clear roadmap for holding elections by December: BNP's Salahuddin to govt
  • Govt working to fulfil 3 responsibilities - election, some reforms, outlining sectoral reform: Salehuddin

BNP disappointed over absence of clear election roadmap, says advisory council's statement 'misleading'

We are disappointed that the government statement that came through the chief adviser’s press secretary regarding his meetings with political parties lacks a clear roadmap for the national election, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain says

UNB
27 May, 2025, 06:25 pm
Last modified: 27 May, 2025, 08:50 pm
BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain speaks at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office on 27 May 2025. Photo: Courtesy
BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain speaks at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office on 27 May 2025. Photo: Courtesy

BNP expressed disappointment on Tuesday as the government has yet to present a clear and specific roadmap for the next national election, even after Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' recent meetings with political parties.

Speaking at a press conference, BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain also said their party found the statement made by the advisory council prior to the meetings with political parties to be vague and misleading.

"We are disappointed that the government statement that came through the chief adviser's press secretary regarding his meetings with political parties lacks a clear roadmap for the national election," he said.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

He reaffirmed that the BNP and other political parties have never called for the resignation of the chief adviser, nor do they seek it now.

"But we have consistently called for a roadmap for a free and impartial national parliamentary election by December 2025 under the leadership of the interim government," Mosharraf said.

Amid political tension and various speculations, with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had separate meetings with BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Saturday at his official residence, Jamuna.

He also held meetings with 20 other political parties the following day.

The BNP Standing Committee organised the press conference at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office to share the party's reaction to the recent meetings between political parties and the Chief Adviser.

The BNP leader reiterated the party's demand for the immediate announcement of a clear and specific roadmap for holding the national election by December this year.

"We demand the immediate announcement of a specific roadmap for the formation of a national parliament by December 2025 through a fair, free, and impartial election," he said.

Mosharraf also said the election—reflecting the highest aspiration of the people—should be the top priority of the current government.

"Otherwise, it will be difficult for BNP, as a party of the people, to continue its cooperation with this government," the BNP leader said.

Embracing the spirit of the student-led July mass uprising, he said the utmost priority now is to establish an elected political government as soon as possible, in line with public expectations, to restore the people's lost democratic, constitutional, and human rights — particularly their right to vote.

The BNP leader stressed that December remains the most suitable time for holding the next national election for a variety of reasons. "December is the right time for the polls, and we've been saying this not just recently, but for quite some time," he said.

Mosharraf observed that after December, the country will enter Ramadan, followed by the monsoon season and major public exams such as the SSC and HSC, all of which make elections difficult. "Historically, elections have mostly been held in December or January, with only one exception in June due to unavoidable circumstances."

The BNP leader alleged that various excuses are being made to delay the election, such as the need to complete reforms and trials.

He said the BNP also supports the trial of autocrats and their associates, but such trials must be conducted under an independent judiciary.

The BNP leader emphasised that since reform is an ongoing process, both reforms and the electoral process can proceed simultaneously.

Besides, Mosharraf stated that the trial process against the fallen fascist forces, their cohorts, their party, and those accused of crimes against humanity would continue.

The BNP leader also noted that the Advisory Council's statement had claimed the government was being made unable to fulfil its responsibilities due to incitement by defeated forces and as part of a foreign conspiracy.

"We would like to say that it is only possible to stop the incitement of defeated forces and foreign conspiracy through a fair and impartial national parliamentary election as soon as possible. To achieve that goal, it is essential to present a specific roadmap for holding the national parliamentary election immediately—there is no alternative," he said.

Mosharraf expressed the hope that the interim government would run the state on the basis of consensus, in the interest of maintaining the country's stability, preventing the deterioration of the law and order situation, keeping the prices of daily necessities within the reach of the people's purchasing power and bringing dynamism to investment, business, and trade.

Regarding the Advisory Council's statement, he said, "We have observed that the statement presented to the nation by the Advisory Council after the NEC meeting lacks clarity and is misleading. From the very beginning, we have extended our fullest cooperation to the council in carrying out its responsibilities," said the BNP leader.

The BNP leader said a lack of neutrality and weaknesses in governance have naturally given rise to doubt and scepticism among the public.

He once again called for the removal of controversial advisers to maintain the government's neutrality and prevent divisions among the political and social forces united by the spirit of the July student uprising.

Mosharraf said the people shed blood to overthrow fascism and establish the rule of law, but recent activities of the government have raised public doubts about its intentions.

Referring to the court verdict in favour of Ishraque Hossain as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, he said a gazette has been issued, but the government has yet to arrange his swearing-in. "We hope the government will act without delay," he added.

BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Hafizuddin Ahmed were also present at the press conference.

Bangladesh / Top News

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain / election / Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus meets Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru in Japan on 30 May 2025. Photo: CA Office
    Bangladesh, Japan to sign Economic Partnership Agreement by year-end
  • File photo of BNP BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury
    Speaking about country’s problems in foreign trips won’t solve them: Khasru takes jibe at Yunus
  • Representational image. Photo: Collected
    'Heavy to very heavy' rainfall expected across country as land depression weakens further

MOST VIEWED

  • Photo: Courtesy
    New notes featuring historic, archaeological structures of Bangladesh to be circulated from 1 June
  • Two Memoranda of Understanding were signed at the seminar titled “Bangladesh Seminar on Human Resources,” in Tokyo on 29 May 2025. Photo: CA Press Wing
    Japan to recruit 100,000 Bangladeshi workers over next 5 years
  • BAT Bangladesh has to vacate Mohakhali HQ as SC rejects lease appeal
    BAT Bangladesh has to vacate Mohakhali HQ as SC rejects lease appeal
  • Representational Photo: Collected
    Country's all jewellery shops to remain indefinitely closed in protest of VP Reponul's arrest: Bajus
  • Khondoker Rashed Maqsood. File Photo: Collected
    Investors urge removal of BSEC chairman in meeting with CA’s special assistant, submit list of demands
  • Illustration: TBS
    Bangladesh repays $3.5b foreign debt in 10 months of FY25

Related News

  • Bangladesh, Japan to sign Economic Partnership Agreement by year-end
  • Expatriates' remittance helps Bangladesh make turnaround: CA
  • CA for making youth aware of tobacco's harmful effects
  • Provide clear roadmap for holding elections by December: BNP's Salahuddin to govt
  • Govt working to fulfil 3 responsibilities - election, some reforms, outlining sectoral reform: Salehuddin

Features

Babar Ali, Ikramul Hasan Shakil, and Wasfia Nazreen are leading a bold resurgence in Bangladeshi mountaineering, scaling eight-thousanders like Everest, Annapurna I, and K2. Photos: Collected

Back to 8000 metres: How Bangladesh’s mountaineers emerged from a decade-long pause

12h | Panorama
Photos: Courtesy

Behind the looks: Bangladeshi designers shaping celebrity fashion

14h | Mode
Photo collage of the sailors and their catch. Photos: Shahid Sarkar

Between sky and sea: The thrilling life afloat on a fishing ship

18h | Features
For hundreds of small fishermen living near this delicate area, sustainable fishing is a necessity for their survival. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

World Ocean Day: Bangladesh’s ‘Silent Island’ provides a fisheries model for the future

1d | The Big Picture

More Videos from TBS

Six Lakh Sacrificial Animals Ready in Sirajganj for Eid-ul-Adha

Six Lakh Sacrificial Animals Ready in Sirajganj for Eid-ul-Adha

8h | TBS Stories
Six MoUs signed during Chief Advisor's visit to Japan

Six MoUs signed during Chief Advisor's visit to Japan

12h | TBS Today
Record migrant deaths in 2024

Record migrant deaths in 2024

1d | Podcast
Govt likely to trim subsidies in new budget

Govt likely to trim subsidies in new budget

15h | TBS Insight
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net