Fakhrul claims growing perception that the government is intentionally delaying the election

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that an unelected government should not remain in power for an extended period.  

“We seek reforms, substantial reforms in fact, but we also firmly believe that an unelected government should not govern for too long,” he said during a discussion organized by the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa) at the National Press Club today.  

Fakhrul expressed concerns over potential delays in the upcoming general election, referencing a recent remark by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who proposed lowering the minimum voting age from 18 to 17.  

“Such a move would cause further delays. It’s not just us; the public also suspects that the government is deliberately dragging out the election process,” Fakhrul remarked. Yunus had made the suggestion during a two-day dialogue hosted by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies (FBS) at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh.  

The BNP leader criticized the chief adviser's comment, calling it controversial.  

“Adjusting the minimum voter age would necessitate creating a new voter list. Before making such a statement, the matter should have been discussed with stakeholders to avoid controversy,” Fakhrul said, adding that the issue should be left to the Election Commission.  

He also pointed out that suggestions like this from the Chief Adviser put undue pressure on the Election Commission.  

“As the chief executive, you’re influencing the commission by making such proposals. If the age needs to be lowered, let the Election Commission initiate the process and make the decision. Comments like these create unnecessary pressure,” Fakhrul explained.  

Reiterating BNP’s support for the interim government, Fakhrul urged the administration to expedite the election process.  

“We fully support the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus and are committed to helping it succeed. However, we urge them to hold elections promptly,” he said, warning that delays could worsen existing crises related to sovereignty, border issues, and national stability.  

Fakhrul also criticized the lack of accountability regarding financial crimes, lamenting that no cases had been filed against those involved in bank fraud.  

“There hasn’t been a single case against the plunderers of our banks. Instead, vague cases involving 1,000–1,500 unidentified individuals are being filed, creating opportunities for manipulation,” he alleged.  

The discussion was chaired by Jagpa President Khandakar Lutfur Rahman and moderated by General Secretary Jakir Hossain. Speakers included Jatiya Party (Kazi Jafar) leader Mustafa Jamal Haider, National People's Party (NPP) Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Aman Ullah Aman, NDP Chairman Abu Taher, Samyabadi Dal General Secretary Syed Nazrul Islam, and NAP Chairman MN Shawon Sadeqi.