December and June polls' timeline 'vague', says Fakhrul; demands clear roadmap

Terming Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' statement that the election will be held between December and June as "vague," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has demanded an immediate "clear roadmap."

"This [election will be held between December and June] is vague... It's an extremely unclear statement. December to June... six months. So, no roadmap has been provided," he said after paying tribute at the grave of late president Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, along with Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas and party leaders and activists.

Election will be held between this December and June next year, CA reaffirms in address to nation

He further said, "We have repeatedly stated that a clear roadmap and swift elections are necessary. Otherwise, the crises that are being created will not be resolved."

Yesterday, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reiterated that the national election will be held between December this year and June next year.

"I have said before and I am reiterating again, the election will take place between December this year and June next year. We want the upcoming election to be the most free, fair, and credible in the history of Bangladesh," he said during his speech to the nation.

For this, the Election Commission has started making all necessary preparations, the chief adviser said.

"I hope that political parties will begin preparing for the elections with great enthusiasm and excitement."

Regarding CA's statement on the election, Mirza Fakhrul expressed disappointment, stating, "I am deeply disappointed that the chief adviser did not mention anything about the election roadmap in his speech yesterday."

"We are disappointed that in his speech, he did not once mention the name of the proclaimer of independence, the late president Ziaur Rahman, the hero of the Liberation War. This is part of our history."

He added, "We do not want the history, which the Awami League has distorted, to be distorted again."

"By uncovering the true facts, I believe that the nation's desire for a democratic government will be fulfilled, and the quicker we return to a democratic system, the sooner our problems will be solved," he said. 

Fakhrul further stated, "We... the BNP are not talking about elections to come to power. The BNP is demanding elections in the interest of the nation, to protect the nation, and to safeguard independence and sovereignty, and is calling for an elected parliament and government."

"We hope that the interim government will quickly carry out the minimum reforms, that is, those necessary for the elections, and announce the election."