Dhaka, May 29 (V7N) — BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned that the nation’s future is being jeopardized behind the façade of reforms and justice, calling for national elections to be held by December 2025 and urging the youth to prepare for political battle.

Addressing a massive youth rally virtually from London on Wednesday (May 28), he stated, “People want to see an elected government. We cannot allow further delay. The national election must be held by December.”

The rally, organized by BNP’s affiliated organizations—Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal—drew millions of supporters from Dhaka, Sylhet, Faridpur, and Mymensingh, transforming the Nayapaltan area into a “sea of people.”

Tarique Rahman questioned the legitimacy of reforms undertaken by the interim government, saying, “How much reform can be done by a government that does not respect the law? Neutrality should be their only capital.” He reiterated that only an elected and accountable government can resolve the nation’s crisis, calling on all political activists to be election-ready.

BNP Leaders Echo Urgency

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Moin Khan declared that the movement for democracy has entered its second stage. “We had our first victory in July-August. Now we are marching towards the second victory. We will rescue democracy from the streets,” he said.

Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain warned of a conspiracy to delay elections, stating, “People will confront any move to postpone elections. We want elections by December—nothing beyond that.”

Mirza Abbas was more scathing, accusing the interim government of inaction and hidden agendas. “Most advisors are not even citizens of this country. They promised reforms and elections but failed in nine months. What makes you think they will succeed in nine years?” he said, criticizing controversial issues like St. Martin’s Island, the Corridor, Starlink, and Second World projects.

He accused the government of spreading fear and allowing extortion, stating, “This government is rotten from head to toe.”

No Compromise on Election Timeline: Khasru

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized that elections are the path to democracy, saying, “There will be no compromise on postponing the elections. Reforms must be based on national consensus, or the people will reject them.”

He referenced the BNP’s proposed reform agenda, saying, “Begum Khaleda Zia gave the first reform proposal in Vision 2030. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman followed with 27 points, which were later expanded to 31 in consultation with other parties.”

“We Want Elections, Not Resignation”: Salahuddin

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said the party never asked for the Chief Advisor’s resignation, calling his reported intention to step down a “drama.”

“We wanted elections within December under a neutral government, not his resignation,” he said, urging national unity to resist “clever attempts to create division” among pro-democracy forces.

He accused the Awami League of massive corruption, claiming “They looted more than what the British East India Company did in 200 years. They have laundered Tk 30 lakh crore and defaulted loans worth Tk 4 lakh crore.”

“Our only enemies are Awami League and Sheikh Hasina,” Salahuddin said. “We have bled for democracy, and we must stay united to achieve it.”

The rally was presided over by Jubo Dal President Monayem Munna, with Rajib Ahsan of Swechchhasebak Dal and Nasir Uddin Nasir of Chhatra Dal moderating the event.

END/MSS/AJ