BNP will initiate seat-sharing discussions with its allies after the election schedule is announced, says Amir Khasru

BNP senior leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Thursday that the party will initiate seat-sharing discussions with its political allies only after the election schedule is officially announced.

“We haven’t yet reached the stage to begin talks on seat sharing. This process will start once the election schedule is declared and related activities get underway,” he told reporters following a meeting between BNP’s liaison committee and Gono Odhikar Parishad at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan.

Khasru, also a member of the BNP Standing Committee, emphasised that the issue of seat sharing will be addressed once the election process formally begins. “We will engage in discussions with all like-minded parties after the schedule is announced,” he added.

During the meeting, Khasru said the two sides discussed the recent talks held in London between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. He noted that both parties welcomed the expected timeline for the election, likely to be held in February next year.

He further stated that the discussions focused on strategising for the upcoming election and preparing for the implementation of the 31-point reform agenda.

“As we stood united during the movement, we will continue to move forward together—during the election, in forming the government, and in implementing the reforms,” he said.

On the ongoing National Consensus Commission meetings, Khasru said reforms would be pursued based on areas of agreement among political parties. “There’s no need for unanimity on everything. Every party has its own ideology and goals, and differences will persist. That’s why reforms will be based on common ground, while other matters will be left for public debate during the election,” he explained.

Regarding the status of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Khasru said the party is awaiting the government’s decision on his swearing-in, following a court verdict that declared him the rightful winner.

“The judiciary has made its position clear, and the Election Commission has also approved it. Legally, Ishraque should assume office as mayor,” he said.

He added that both the BNP and the interim government claim to uphold the rule of law. “If that is truly the case, then swearing in Ishraque as mayor is the logical step. We are now waiting for the government’s response.”