The BNP is organizing rallies across various divisions to demand a roadmap for holding early elections

Following their large-scale rally in the capital on Friday, the BNP is now planning similar demonstrations in 10 divisions across the country. These rallies aim to show the party's strength in resisting any attempt to destabilize the country and to pressure the government to present a definitive election roadmap. Senior BNP leaders stated that through these gatherings, they also intend to signal to the government not to attempt to extend its rule under the guise of state reforms, underscoring the BNP’s political influence.

The BNP’s standing committee resolved on Monday night to launch the divisional rallies in early December, with specific dates to be decided on Wednesday in a meeting with divisional organizing secretaries. Additionally, the BNP plans to hold a major event in the capital on December 16, Victory Day, either as a public meeting or rally.

The party has also decided to reintroduce and promote its 31-point reform proposal to shape public opinion, emphasizing that the interim government should not delay under the pretext of reforms. The BNP has already presented a framework for these reforms, which it claims is broadly acceptable.

Senior BNP leaders told UNB that this 31-point proposal, developed with input from 42 allied political parties, would serve as a governance roadmap if the BNP returns to power. The party plans to officially relaunch this reform outline on Thursday, seeking to gain widespread public support. As part of this strategy, BNP is training its leaders and members, along with associates, who will hold workshops across divisional cities and key districts to explain the 31 points in detail. They will also collect feedback from various experts and sectors to refine the proposal further.

A BNP standing committee member, requesting anonymity, noted that recent internal meetings have focused extensively on reforms, the election process, interim government activities, the current political landscape, relations with Jamaat and other parties, and the BNP’s strategic next steps. He highlighted that BNP policymakers see the need for simultaneous progress on state reforms and election preparations.

“The government must provide a roadmap immediately,” he said. “Without it, the 'fear of election delay' among political parties will persist.” The party believes that the government’s role should be confined to electoral reforms rather than large-scale changes, which it lacks the mandate to implement. He also pointed out that the government’s gradual increase in advisers suggests a strategy to extend its time in power.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas emphasized that the interim government should promptly announce the election date and present a clear outline for state reforms without using delay tactics. “The nation wants to know the election date,” he stated, “and they will not remain passive if kept in the dark.”

Amir Khosru, another BNP Standing Committee member, stated that the interim government should only implement reforms agreed upon by all parties. “Reforms must be aligned with national consensus,” he added. Khosru recalled that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia proposed reforms through her Vision 2030 plan in 2016, and that a 31-point reform framework was introduced by Tarique Rahman last year with support from allied parties.

“The BNP has committed to implementing these reforms through a national government if elected,” Khosru said, emphasizing that true reform must be conducted by an elected government with national consensus and the people’s trust.

BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku added, “We need a roadmap for early elections. The government should declare it and remove any uncertainty around the election timeline.”