Uncertainty looms over whether the next national election will indeed take place this December, as BNP grows increasingly sceptical of the interim government’s shifting stance on the poll timeline.
The party claims that different government-affiliated figures have floated varied timelines—December, March, and even June—leading to a lack of clarity.
Adding to the ambiguity, Chief Adviser Dr Yunus has refrained from specifying an exact date in his statements, further deepening BNP’s doubts.
During a speech to police officials in Tejgaon on Monday, Dr Yunus stated that “there isn’t much time left, elections will be held in December.”
However, just two days earlier, in a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, he indicated that if political parties agree on a “short reform package,” elections could be held in December.
If they opt for a “larger reform package,” elections might be pushed to June next year.
This conflicting narrative has fueled speculation within BNP that elections could be postponed beyond December.
Senior BNP leaders have voiced their concerns, suspecting that the government itself may be attempting to delay the elections.
Some believe the government should clearly outline the timeframe required for electoral reforms, warning that failure to do so could increase the political and public divide.
BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas expressed his hope that the chief adviser would honour his commitment and conduct elections in December.
He remarked, “Justice delayed is justice denied. If the government delays the election process, the country and its people will face further crisis.”
Following the formation of the interim government, Dr Yunus had initially stated in his Victory Day speech on 16 December that if minimal reforms were required, elections could take place in December 2025, whereas more extensive reforms could push the elections to mid-2026.
However, in multiple international interviews, he later mentioned that his government was aiming for a December 2024 election.
The Election Commission (EC) has also reiterated that it is preparing for a December election, with Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stating on 10 March that the EC intends to announce the poll schedule in October.
Yet, the latest shift in rhetoric from the Chief Adviser has only deepened BNP’s suspicions, with speculation mounting within the broader political landscape about whether elections will indeed be held this year.
Observers note that Dr Yunus’ remarks to the UN Secretary-General carry significant implications, leading to speculation that international pressure may be influencing the election timeline.
Some analysts even suggest that if elections continue to be delayed, they may not be held until December 2026.
Such a scenario, they argue, could lead to major political shifts over the next 18–24 months.
Historically, Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections have primarily taken place in winter, with only one election ever held in June.
Analysts believe the likelihood of a summer election is low, citing voter reluctance due to heat and monsoon conditions.
February to April is typically reserved for SSC and HSC exams, making winter the most practical election season.
Hence, if elections are not held in December, they might not take place until at least October 2025.
BNP’s tensions with the interim government over election scheduling have become increasingly apparent.
While BNP remains sceptical, the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami seem more aligned with the government on the matter.
BNP has also noted a growing camaraderie between the government and student leaders, further fueling their belief that authorities might not be keen on holding elections soon.
Amid these concerns, BNP is planning mass protests in April to pressure the government into providing a definitive election timeline.
Party insiders reveal that a post-Eid movement is being prepared to demand immediate election clarity.
BNP Adviser Zainul Abedin Faruk argued that June-July is a viable election timeframe, dismissing the need for excessive delays under the pretext of reforms.
He remarked, “Some reforms have already been made; the remaining ones can be implemented quickly to hold elections without further delay.”
BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu echoed similar concerns, demanding that the interim government provide a clear electoral roadmap.
He pointed out that, as per the constitution, elections must be held within 90 days of a government stepping down.
“Any delays will not only create political instability but also prove dangerous for the government,” he warned.
Sources suggest that BNP’s concerns stem from contradictory statements by various government advisers and NCP leaders.
The party suspects that some government insiders and student groups prefer prolonging their stay in power.
Notably, intellectuals like poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar have reportedly opposed holding elections soon, reinforcing BNP’s belief that the push for “major reforms” is merely an excuse to delay polls.
With uncertainty deepening, BNP is preparing to escalate its political activities in the coming months, intensifying pressure on the interim government to commit to a concrete election schedule.
