BNP Pursues Meeting with Chief Advisor to Clarify Election Roadmap

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) remains uncertain about the government's actual position regarding the forthcoming parliamentary elections, with the party perceiving a growing ambiguity surrounding the issue. To seek clarity, a BNP delegation has sought an appointment with Chief Advisor of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus.

However, no response has been received from his office as of Tuesday. The decision to request a meeting was taken during the BNP’s National Standing Committee meeting held on Monday. The meeting will proceed upon confirmation of a time by the Chief Advisor's office. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, currently undergoing medical treatment in Singapore and expected to return on 16 April, may not be able to attend if the meeting takes place earlier.

BNP Standing Committee member Salah Uddin Ahmed emphasized the desire for his presence during the meeting. While BNP has previously met the Chief Advisor, this meeting holds special significance as the party intends to directly convey its demand for national elections by December this year and to gain a clearer understanding of the government’s stance and timeline. Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the party would take necessary steps if no assurance is given, reiterating BNP’s ongoing commitment to democratic elections, despite the sacrifices of its leaders and activists. Since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government following the student-public uprising on 5 August last year, BNP has advocated for immediate national elections following emergency vote-centric reforms.

However, internal challenges persist, as some allied parties, such as the National Citizen Party (NCP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and Islamic Andolan, insist on comprehensive reforms before any election. These differing positions have prolonged the debate over election timing and reform scope. Although Chief Advisor Yunus has indicated that elections may be held between the end of this year and mid-2026, depending on the scale of reforms, BNP finds these remarks vague. The party is pushing for an official announcement of an election roadmap, seeking clarification on the proposed ‘small’ versus ‘comprehensive’ reform packages.

BNP leaders stress that the roadmap can be introduced even while the reform process is ongoing. The party plans to monitor developments closely through April, and if no progress is made by month-end, it intends to launch a coordinated national campaign with other political groups to demand the restoration of voting rights. BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu affirmed that public expectation for a democratic and elected government remains strong. If no roadmap is announced soon, the party is prepared to escalate its movement.