Uncertainty surrounding the timing of the next general election has deepened, as Wednesday’s meeting between Chief Adviser Dr Yunus and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) concluded without resolution.
Held at the state guesthouse Jamuna, the discussions saw both sides standing firm on their respective positions.
The BNP has reiterated its demand for an election no later than December this year. In contrast, the Chief Adviser has proposed a broader window, suggesting the polls be held between December and June next year.
Observers fear the lack of consensus could further complicate an already volatile political landscape. With no agreement in sight, questions persist over how this impasse might be resolved and how democratic stability can be restored.
Multiple BNP leaders stated that while immediate elections may not be imperative, swift and essential reforms must precede any vote.
They argue that such steps could resolve much of the ongoing political crisis, enabling a newly elected government—built on broader consensus—to undertake more comprehensive reforms.
They also expressed concern that delaying elections could embolden allies of the Awami League to engage in conspiracies, jeopardising national stability and deterring investment.
Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a member of the BNP's Standing Committee, told this newspaper: “Announcing an election date has become a pressing demand of all political forces.
The people must be given back their right to vote and a functioning democracy. Only through dialogue can this complexity be resolved.”
Fellow Standing Committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy added that the BNP would hold internal discussions before deciding on the next steps. “BNP is a democratic party and will respond accordingly,” he said.
Party insiders revealed that the BNP has already begun consulting like-minded parties to build consensus around its December election demand. However, the party is not currently planning mass demonstrations, opting instead for rallies at the metropolitan and district levels.
The debate over the election schedule has persisted since 6 August last year, involving the interim government, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and student-led anti-discrimination movements.
The interim government has yet to clarify a definitive election date. At the latest meeting with the BNP, the chief adviser reiterated his previously stated window of December to June—an assertion he had also made in national addresses on 26 March and 16 December, and in interviews with international media.
BNP, however, remains unconvinced.
The lack of a clear roadmap in Wednesday’s meeting has further fuelled doubts within the party.
Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP) maintains that elections should only be held after key reforms are completed and justice is delivered for the July uprising and the Pilkhana massacre—demands that the interim government is seen to align with.
In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami, once more rigid in its stance, has slightly softened its position and now echoes BNP’s demand for elections by January or early February.
Public expectations had been high for Wednesday’s meeting, but the failure to reach consensus has renewed speculation and uncertainty.
Conflicting statements by some advisers, including the claim that the interim government has a five-year mandate, have only added to the confusion—fueling distrust among political circles.
Professor Mia Golam Porwar, secretary-general of Jamaat-e-Islami, told this newspaper: “Diverging opinions on the election date are natural. The government seems to prefer a time that suits it, but selecting a window agreeable to all could resolve this stalemate.”
NCP’s senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib stated: “We have no objection to the proposed timeframe, provided core reforms are completed beforehand, including justice for the July uprising and the Pilkhana killings. If these are achieved before December, elections can proceed without hindrance.”
He further noted that their political vision is centred on ensuring the rights and dignity of all citizens and building Bangladesh as a truly democratic state.
Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, remarked: “In the last 16 years, people have been deprived of their right to vote in three successive elections. The public is eager for an election, and I hope the government takes steps to avoid alienating political forces.”
According to Haque, the Election Commission is already preparing for a possible December poll.
“In fact,” he said, “the polls could even be held two months earlier if the political will exists. The real issue is the government’s intent.”
He warned that the current administration is struggling to manage the country, with a semi-anarchic state of affairs prevailing. While he acknowledged some positive steps by the government, he said the overall situation remains paralysed.
“Only a democratically elected government can restore investor confidence,” he asserted, adding that a large-scale movement might not be necessary to realise this demand. “Yesterday’s remarks by the chief adviser are not final. Dialogue remains the only viable path forward.”
