'Ramadan, scorching summer, academic season': Fakhrul outlines why April election a bad idea

Reiterating BNP's demand for national election in December this year, the party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has outlined several reasons why the interim government should not hold the polls in April 2026.

In a post on his verified Facebook profile today (8 June), he urged the government not to just announce a date but justify it.

"If you believe April is the right month, convince the nation. Why not December 2025? What public consultation or evidence informed this decision?"

Fakhrul said April is peak summer in Bangladesh and extreme heatwaves have become the norm.

"Thirty-tree polling officers in India died during April–May elections due to heat exhaustion. Why risk lives here?

"Elderly and vulnerable voters will be discouraged or even physically unable to vote in scorching temperatures. Is voter suppression by weather acceptable?"

He stated that April is also the peak academic season with overlapping board exams, university tests, and admission cycles. "Families will be torn between civic duty and children's futures."

Mentioning that Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin in mid February, the BNP leader questioned how people will be able to participate in both fasting and election campaigns, rallies.

"December 2025 offers cooler weather, fewer conflicts, and maximum inclusivity. Why overlook the window that benefits the most people?

"This isn't just about logistics — it's about empathy, accessibility, and democratic integrity," he added.