Dhaka, Mar 06 (V7N) –Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has expressed concerns that holding a general election this year may be difficult due to ongoing unrest.
Nahid told Reuters in an exclusive story that the interim government has struggled to fully ensure public safety.
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, announced earlier this month that elections could be held by the end of 2025. However, incidents of unrest continue to challenge stability.
"In the past seven months, we all expected the policing system, law and order to be restored through short-term reforms. It has happened to an extent, but not up to our expectations," said Nahid, a former student leader and government adviser. "In the current law and order situation and policing system, I don't think it is possible to hold a national election."
Political analysts believe the NCP, a youth-led party formed just last week, could reshape national politics, which has long been dominated by Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, Reuters reports.
Despite the uncertainty, Nahid asserted that the NCP would be prepared for elections whenever they take place. However, he emphasized that before elections can be held, there must be a consensus on the 'Proclamation of the July Revolution,' a charter that the interim government is drafting with input from political parties and student activists.
The document aims to reflect the aspirations of Bangladeshis and pay tribute to the 1,000 people who lost their lives in last year’s protests. Previously, student protestors had called for constitutional amendments, but they dropped their demands after the interim government promised to prepare the proclamation.
"If we can reach that consensus within a month, we can call for elections immediately. But if it takes more time, the election should be deferred," Nahid said.
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