BNP urges interim government to notify EC about planned February elections

BNP Urges Interim Govt to Notify EC of February Election Decision

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has urged the interim government to formally notify the Election Commission (EC) about its decision to hold the national election in February.

Speaking at a discussion hosted by Nagorik Oikya at the Jatiya Press Club, Salahuddin said, "On behalf of the people and in support of democracy, we urge the interim government to take immediate steps toward a democratic transition by informing the EC of its decision."

He referred to a recent closed-door meeting in London between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, saying, “Based on the decisions taken in that meeting, the interim government should promptly and properly communicate with the EC. This would allow the commission to officially acknowledge that it has received guidance from the government.”

Salahuddin also emphasized that, under constitutional obligations, the interim government’s actions would require ratification by the next elected parliament.

In response to a question from Revolutionary Workers Party leader Saiful Haque, he denied that the London talks included any discussion about granting impunity to individuals. "There was no discussion about immunity for anyone," he asserted.

The BNP leader further noted that the advisory council had been formed under Article 106 of the Constitution in line with a Supreme Court advisory opinion. "The chief adviser and the council are operating within the bounds of the Constitution. As per the law, advisers enjoy the status of ministers and must meet the qualifications outlined in Article 66, which includes not holding foreign citizenship," he said.

Salahuddin reiterated that the interim arrangement must be ratified by the next parliament, adding, “If such ratification is necessary, we will consider how and where that legitimacy should be established.”