Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allied parties have decided to intensify their demands for elections, further pressuring the interim government following recent remarks by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus in an interview with The Financial Times on 30 January.
The interview has reignited political discourse, particularly concerning his stance on student-led political movements.
BNP sources indicate that the party is scrutinising Dr Yunus’s position on the formation of a new political party by student activists.
While he had previously maintained a balanced approach in handling student movements and political factions, his latest remarks have triggered reactions within opposition circles.
BNP’s Standing Committee, during its meeting on Monday, resolved to launch fresh agitation in February to push for elections, adding momentum to their movement.
The party and its allies are expected to deliberate further and issue a formal response within days.
Senior BNP leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that while there had been speculation and criticism surrounding the student movement, the chief adviser had thus far refrained from taking a clear stance.
His approach involved mediating disputes and engaging in dialogue with various political entities to maintain stability.
However, the recent controversy has prompted BNP and its allies to reconsider their strategy, with some leaders arguing that the government appears to be aligning itself with the student movement.
Internal Divisions and Political Calculations
BNP leaders acknowledge that while they have continuously demanded elections, they had previously refrained from overtly opposing the interim government, citing the necessity of allowing it time to navigate the transition.
Disagreements persist within the opposition regarding key issues, including the removal of President Mohammed Shahbuddin, constitutional amendments, the implementation of the July uprising’s declaration, and the potential banning of the Awami League.
Nevertheless, BNP and its allies have so far exercised caution in articulating their stance.
The latest controversy has, however, altered the political landscape.
Many now believe that the interim government has taken a definitive position in support of the anti-discrimination student movement’s attempt to establish a political party.
Others argue that the government’s stance remains ambiguous.
BNP’s Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain reiterated that under Bangladeshi law, any individual has the right to form a political organisation.
However, he warned that should government advisors engage in direct political involvement, it would compromise the administration’s claim of neutrality.
He stated that the electorate would ultimately determine the legitimacy of any new political entity.
Reactions from Opposition Leaders
Jatiyo Party Chairman GM Quader expressed no objection to students forming a political party, asserting that the electorate would decide its viability.
However, he cautioned against the use of state resources and influence in political activities, warning that such actions could undermine a level playing field in the upcoming elections.
He also recalled the pre-uprising consensus among political parties, wherein they had collectively rejected elections under a political government.
GM Quader emphasised that those in power during the electoral period should remain politically neutral.
Any deviation, he argued, would cast doubt on the election’s credibility.
Senior leader of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, remarked that students have the right to engage in politics, but underscored the importance of legitimacy in governance.
Citing historical precedents, he noted that both former presidents Ziaur Rahman and Hussain Muhammad Ershad had formed political parties while in power.
However, he stressed that elections must adhere to democratic principles and reflect the people's will.
BNP’s Allied Parties Express Concerns
BNP’s allied parties echoed similar concerns, asserting that while forming a political party is a democratic right, government advisors should resign before engaging in such endeavours.
Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Ghulam Parwar remarked that while legal provisions allow the formation of new parties, any government involvement in student-led movements would erode its impartiality.
He pointed out that thus far, no official statement has been made by the chief adviser on the matter.
Gonotontro Moncho leader and Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna argued that political participation should follow proper procedures.
He criticised the notion of forming a political party while holding office, questioning whether such actions align with principles of integrity.
Manna warned that any overt government support for a new political entity could fuel public scepticism and exacerbate tensions.
Shahadat Hossain Selim, spokesperson for the 12-party alliance and chairman of Bangladesh LDP, warned that the rising political ambitions among students could deepen national instability.
He stressed that forming a "King’s Party" while in power would only invite further controversy regarding the government’s neutrality; he reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to joining BNP in street protests to exert maximum pressure on the interim administration.
Meanwhile, Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, stated that the chief adviser should refrain from direct involvement in the formation of any political party.
He cautioned that any perception of government-backed student movements could lead to fresh disputes, further complicating the political scenario ahead of the elections.
The Road Ahead
As tensions rise, the coming days will be crucial in determining the opposition’s course of action.
BNP and its allies are expected to formally announce their stance following internal deliberations.
With elections looming, the battle lines between the opposition and the interim government are becoming increasingly defined, setting the stage for further political confrontations.
