BNP Meets Dr. Yunus; Pushes for December Election Deadline

A seven-member BNP delegation, led by party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, is currently in discussions with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to press for a clear roadmap for the national election to be held by December this year.

The meeting, which began at 12:10 p.m. at the state guest house Jamuna, includes BNP Standing Committee members Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Chowdhury.

On Tuesday night, BNP's standing committee, headed by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, gathered to finalize the party’s position on the election and outline key points for the meeting.

Speaking to UNB, BNP leaders emphasized their firm stance against any delay beyond December and expressed a desire for Dr. Yunus to make a clear statement on the election timeline to end the ongoing uncertainty between December and June.

Fakhrul also expressed hopes that dialogue would resolve the election uncertainty and foster unity. The BNP delegation intends to provide logical justifications for holding the election within this year, specifically by December.

Additionally, the party will urge the Chief Adviser to ensure the completion of necessary reforms by June to quell public fears of delays under the guise of state restructuring.

If the meeting results in a clear commitment to the election timeline, BNP leaders say they will shift focus to election preparations and strategies for securing voter support. However, if no agreement is reached, BNP may resort to a movement demanding a timely election.

Insiders suggest that BNP has already planned a series of peaceful programs, including rallies, marches, and processions, as part of its preparations for the 13th national election. These activities are expected to start at the grassroots level and expand nationwide in the coming months. Should no clear message emerge from the meeting with Dr. Yunus, these programs could begin as early as the end of this month.

Meanwhile, BNP's Salahuddin Ahmed raised concerns about Dr. Yunus’ vague election timelines and questioned the motive behind the ongoing uncertainty.