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

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.

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.