Dhaka, Apr 18 (V7N)-  The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reiterated its demand for elections to be held in December, emphasizing that delays in the electoral process could further exacerbate the country’s political and economic crisis. The party has been discussing the election timeline since the student-public uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, and continues to call for a specific roadmap for the elections.

On April 16, BNP leaders met with the Chief Advisor to gain clarity on the election roadmap. While the government has suggested that elections will take place between December and June, the BNP leaders are insistent on holding elections in December.

BNP Standing Committee Member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku emphasized that the interim government had confirmed that elections would be held by June next year, but insisted that a clear roadmap was necessary. He added, "We want a roadmap now. The government is unwilling to provide one. With Ramadan and Eid approaching, organizing elections during this time is impractical. December is the ideal time for the elections."

Another standing committee member, Mirza Abbas, also voiced concerns, pointing out that it would not be right for Bangladesh to remain undemocratic while the rest of the world leans toward democracy. He noted that June coincides with the rainy season, making it an unsuitable month for elections.

Despite these concerns, the BNP has refrained from organizing a field-level program for now, given the approaching Eid al-Adha and the rainy season. The party intends to exert pressure on the interim government for a roadmap through domestic arrangements in the coming weeks.

Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku reassured that the BNP has discipline within its ranks, stating that any decision regarding a program will be publicly announced. However, he also suggested that the government is not yet ready for elections, which the BNP believes is part of an attempt to maintain an unelected government. The party suspects that certain external forces may be at play to prolong the tenure of the current administration.

Salahuddin Ahmed, another BNP leader, expressed concerns about the possibility of the current unelected government using fascist allies to extend its rule, which he said would ultimately undermine the hopes of the mass uprising. The BNP is determined not to let this scenario unfold.

As the party prepares to ramp up its pressure on the government, the BNP is expected to begin discussions with its partners in the simultaneous movement next week to finalize their stance on the election roadmap.

END/MSS/AJ