Election date shouldn't be announced before July Declaration, says Nahid after Consensus Commission meeting

The date for the national election should not be announced before the release of the July Declaration, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said today (2 June). 

"We have waited 16 years, so the interim government can take another two months if needed before announcing the date," he told reporters after attending the National Consensus Commission's dialogue with political parties.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus presided over the dialogue at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

At the meeting, the NCP has requested updates on the progress of the July Declaration and urged the government not to exceed the one-month timeframe previously promised, Nahid said.

"We want the July Declaration to be finalised and published within the month of July," he added.

He also called for amendments to the existing laws concerning the Election Commission, expressing a lack of trust in the current structure. 

"We cannot place our confidence in the current Election Commission," he said.

What other parties say

Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of Gonoshonghoti Andolon, said if the election is delayed beyond December, the government must explain why they need more time.

"Specifying an election date is important to determine how much reform can realistically be done. There is public doubt about whether the election will happen at all. The recent discord between political parties and the government has raised concerns among the people," he told reporters after the meeting.

Nurul Haque Nur, president of Gono Odhikar Parishad, said, "Broadly speaking, all political parties have asked for a roadmap regarding the election. We believe there has been enough discussion on reforms; now it's time for action. I don't think more discussions are necessary." 

He said the national election can be held before December.

He also said, "Instead of calling it the July Charter, it could be declared as a National Charter, making it a universal document for all." 

Asaduzzaman Fuad, secretary general of AB Party, said, "We told the consensus commission that it should prepare a written document stating what actions they intend to take. There isn't much time left for an election but a greater psychological gap remains." 

Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party, said, "We have said that, if necessary, sit separately to identify specific issues of reform. By June, tell us which areas you want to reform. 

"We have also said the election can be held even before 31 December."

Mustafizur Rahman Iran, chairman of the Bangladesh Labour Party, said they want a specific date for the election.