BNP explains stance on ‘no-vote’ option during discussions with EC

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has clarified that the Election Commission’s move to reinstate the ‘no vote’ option in the upcoming national polls was not based on its proposal.

“This was not our demand. The initiative came from recommendations made by some distinguished individuals. We have no particular stance on it,” BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters after a nearly two-hour meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the commission headquarters in Agargaon on Saturday. The BNP delegation also included Chairperson’s Adviser Ismail Jabiullah and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Khan said the party noted that the EC seems to be preparing adequately for the elections. “However, we remain somewhat concerned about the prevailing law and order situation. We hope the environment will improve in the coming months before polling,” he added.

According to him, the EC assured that it could call for additional deployment of army personnel, along with the Coast Guard and Navy in coastal areas, if necessary. The BNP stressed the importance of ensuring a peaceful political atmosphere for the election.

On the issue of voting rights for expatriates, Khan said the matter was discussed following BNP’s demand. The EC is considering allowing Bangladeshis with national ID cards and e-passports to cast their ballots, while the BNP has urged that holders of ordinary passports also be included—subject to strict verification to prevent fraud.

Regarding constituency demarcation, Khan explained that the EC is working on the basis of district and upazila boundaries as well as voter distribution. He pointed out that under the law, only individual citizens—not political parties—can file complaints about boundary changes.

He also confirmed that BNP has already submitted feedback on the EC’s draft electoral code of conduct, which is currently under review.

When asked about the revival of the ‘no vote’ option under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), Khan reiterated: “This was not BNP’s proposal. If the EC makes any such changes, we will discuss them internally before taking a position.”

Responding to speculation by another political leader that elections may not be held in February, Khan declined to comment: “The EC is preparing for polls, and the Chief Adviser has stated the election will take place. That question should be directed to him.”

On seat-sharing within the opposition alliance, Khan said no formal talks had yet begun as the election schedule has not been announced. However, he noted that the parties which jointly carried out the recent movement are expected to cooperate if entrusted with governance.