Those trying to delay election want to create rift between govt, July Charter: Hasnat

The election must be held in February and that only those seeking to create a confrontation between the government and the July Charter want to delay it, National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah said today (2 November).

"If reforms are not implemented, how will the election take place? If this government does not have the mandate for reforms or for declaring the July Charter following the mass uprising, then under what mandate will it hold the election? I want to see that," he told reporters after a coordination meeting aimed at strengthening the party's activities at the Bhola Zila Parishad auditorium in Barishal.

"Those who oppose the July Charter must explain which direction they want to take Bangladesh in and what kind of preparation they are making. The people will soon understand their motives. We will ally only with those who support reform and are committed to addressing the constitutional weaknesses that led to the events of 2024."

Reiterating the need for reforms before the polls, Hasnat said, "The reform process must be completed properly and the election must be held in February."

The reform order must be issued through a public mandate and it has to be signed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, he said adding, "But we can see that one party wants the president to sign this order. If we have to get the July document signed by him, it is better for all of us to drown in the river."

NCP Bhola District Chief Coordinator Mehedi Hasan Sharif presided over the meeting. Central, district, and union-level NCP leaders were also present.