BNP has taken a resolute stance against the possibility of holding the constituent assembly and parliamentary elections concurrently.
The party has also made it clear that it will not accept any election preceding the national polls.
This position was reinforced on Saturday (8 March) by BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, whose remarks were endorsed by the party’s high command.
The issue gained traction after the National Citizen Party (NCP) proposed simultaneous elections.
In response, Salahuddin Ahmed stated, "Our position is clear—there is unlikely to be any national consensus on this matter."
The debate intensified when Professor Dr Ali Riaz, vice chairman of the National Consensus Commission, remarked that holding both elections together was feasible.
BNP leaders reiterated this standpoint in conversations with the press, reaffirming that their sole priority is the parliamentary election.
They categorically dismissed any attempt to introduce alternative elections beforehand.
According to BNP leaders, the push for a Constituent Assembly election is a strategic move to delay the national elections.
They argue that students advocating for constitutional revision seek to either repeal or rewrite the constitution of 1972—a process that would necessitate substantial time and political consensus.
However, BNP believes reaching an agreement among political factions on such an initiative would be extraordinarily challenging.
Senior BNP Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain underscored the party’s position, stating, "The priority is the National Parliamentary election, not the Constituent Assembly. The parliamentary elections are of utmost importance."
Echoing this sentiment, another Standing Committee member, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, remarked, "Each party has its own demands, just as the NCP has specific expectations. While everyone has the right to voice their opinions, there is only one viable path—achieving a national consensus among all political parties. If that is unattainable, then parties must secure their mandates from the people in the upcoming elections. Democracy demands electoral legitimacy; there is no alternative to this process."
When asked about the National Consensus Commission’s recommendation for concurrent elections, Amir Khasru responded, "Some individuals or organisations may have their own opinions or recommendations. If a consensus emerges, that would be beneficial. However, we see no realistic prospect of such consensus at present. Since an agreement is unlikely, these discussions are premature. Decisions on such matters should be taken after the upcoming elections."
Meanwhile, the NCP remains steadfast in its demand for a constituent assembly election, with multiple leaders asserting that constitutional rewriting remains their foremost objective.
NCP Convenor Nahid Islam stated, "Justice, reform, and elections—especially the constituent Assembly election—are crucial. The fascist Constitution was rendered ineffective and failed following the July uprising. Our goal is to legitimise this uprising through constitutional recognition and bestow upon the nation a new constitution."
Earlier, on 4 March, Nahid Islam argued that a constituent assembly election would facilitate a democratic transition towards a new constitution, advocating that both elections be held simultaneously to establish a new political framework.
He reiterated this position in an interview with Reuters on 6 March.
However, just two days later, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed firmly rejected his assertions.
The debate resurfaced when Professor Dr Ali Riaz raised the issue once more during a parliamentary session on Tuesday.
He argued that simultaneous elections were logistically feasible, citing historical precedents where constitutional amendments were enacted through ordinances.
However, he acknowledged that discussion and consensus would ultimately be necessary for any decision.
Jamaat-e-Islami, meanwhile, has yet to clarify its position on the constituent assembly election.
However, the party has advocated for local government elections to be conducted prior to the national polls.
Aligning with this stance, the NCP has also called for prioritising local elections.
Conversely, BNP has dismissed such proposals, stressing that minor elections—such as those for upazila, municipal, or union councils—must not take precedence.
The party is exerting pressure on the government to hold the national parliamentary election by December this year, with BNP leaders consistently reiterating this demand in discussions, rallies, and human chains.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim stated, "We support local government elections before the parliamentary polls.
However, no formal discussion on the constituent assembly election has taken place within our party."
He further added, "We advocate constitutional reforms within a reasonable timeframe before the national elections. Given the available time, it is feasible to conduct local government elections before proceeding with the parliamentary polls."
Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has proposed constitutional amendments via ordinance.
AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju commented, "Since constitutional amendments are necessary, a Constituent Assembly would have been ideal. However, BNP's opposition makes unanimity unattainable. In the absence of consensus, amendments could be enacted through ordinances."
As the debate continues, the political landscape remains divided, with BNP maintaining its insistence that no elections should precede the national parliamentary election, while the NCP and others push for simultaneous or alternative electoral frameworks.
