BNP Plans Street Protests to Press for Polls by December

Frustrated by the interim government’s failure to set a firm election date, the BNP is preparing for fresh street protests, demanding that national polls be held by December, according to party sources.

Senior party leaders said rallies and public events are being planned in cities and district towns to build pressure on the caretaker government, which they accuse of deliberately stalling the electoral process to extend its tenure under the cover of reforms.

Before escalating to a full-scale movement, BNP leaders intend to meet Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, hoping to extract a clear timeline for the election.

"We will discuss the election date with him, then consult our allies to finalise our strategy. After that, we will take our message to the people," said Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed.

In a March 25 address, Yunus had said the election would be held between December this year and June next year, while mentioning that the Consensus Commission was gathering parties' input on reforms.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the party’s next standing committee meeting would focus on the possible meeting with Yunus and plans for street protests.

Though the BNP staged several demonstrations before Ramadan, the movement quieted during the holy month. Now, party insiders say momentum is building for a renewed push.

"They are using reforms as a pretext to cling to power," a senior BNP leader alleged.

Fakhrul, speaking shortly after Yunus’s speech, criticised the absence of a clear election roadmap, calling it a sign of political inexperience. "Only a clear roadmap will resolve this crisis," he said.

Meanwhile, many BNP leaders seeking parliamentary nominations campaigned in their constituencies over Eid, encouraged by party leaders to continue their outreach.

"A strong push is essential to force the government’s hand," said a standing committee member. "We’ve already held rallies in various districts to make our stance clear, and we will soon return to the streets with intensified action."

The BNP is also coordinating with like-minded parties to mount a joint movement. Leaders say their strategy will crystallise after the meeting with Yunus, expected within days.