Despite public assertions of a desire for national elections by July or August, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) anticipates the elections to be held in December or as late as January next year, according to reliable sources within the party.
Multiple senior BNP policymakers, speaking on condition of anonymity, conveyed that it is practically infeasible for the government to conduct national elections by July or August.
The party believes that various stakeholders, including the interim government, are using different issues to justify delaying the elections.
Concerns have been raised within the BNP regarding potential delays attributed to demands for state reform, the Proclamation of the July Revolution, and attempts to hold local government elections before the national elections.
These apprehensions have been exacerbated by statements from several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, which advocate for reforms before elections.
During a recent standing committee meeting, BNP leaders decided to strategically announce their preference for July-August elections to maintain pressure on the government.
Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a senior member of the BNP Standing Committee, stated, "BNP believes elections can be held by July-August, as the Election Commission is already in place. Updating the voter list should not require much time."
He further emphasised the necessity of holding elections after completing essential reforms by August, warning that any delay would exacerbate political and economic crises.
Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain believes that announcing an electoral roadmap will focus public attention on the elections, thereby curbing both domestic and foreign conspiracies and resolving the national crisis.
BNP contends that the lack of a clear election timeline and attempts to introduce various reforms, such as local government elections and constitutional amendments before national elections, are deliberate strategies by certain government factions to postpone the elections.
Jamaat-e-Islami, however, argues that hasty national elections without adequate reforms would be detrimental, potentially paving the way for a return to authoritarian governance.
Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat, noted that significant reforms are still pending and any decision regarding the feasibility of July-August elections rests with the government and the Election Commission.
Jamaat insists on completing necessary reforms before elections to prevent a flawed electoral process.
Mustafa Jamal Haider, chairman of the Jatiyo Party (Kazi Zafar) and leader of the 12-party alliance, believes that elections can be conducted by December and sees no reason for any further delay.
Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh Party, cautioned that rushing elections by July-August would hinder the implementation of proposed reforms.
Other political leaders, such as Jalaluddin Ahmed of the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, underscored the necessity of reforming administrative structures to ensure a fair election process.
Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad of the National People's Party advocated for elections within this year, while expressing hope for reforms to precede the elections.
BNP acknowledges the improbability of elections within six months, given the need to update the voter list, restructure the Election Commission, and address judicial and law enforcement reforms.
Although the interim government’s tenure spans over five months, growing domestic and international pressure for a definitive election roadmap has intensified.
In this context, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has engaged in discussions with the European Union and China's ambassador regarding the upcoming national elections and the requisite reforms.
Similarly, diplomatic meetings involving BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia with Chinese and Saudi envoys have taken place, underscoring the heightened international interest in Bangladesh's electoral future.
