The 12-Party Alliance, the Nationalist Sympathetic Alliance, and the Bangladesh Labour Party, aligned with the BNP in their joint movement, have urged the arrangement of the 13th National Parliamentary Election by December 2025.
They have raised concerns over ambiguous and contradictory statements from the chief adviser and his press secretary regarding election plans. The groups demand a definitive electoral roadmap by February or March 2025, stating that necessary reforms could pave the way for elections by December 2025.
BNP has expressed agreement with their demands.
On Saturday afternoon, the BNP Liaison Committee held meetings with the 12-Party Alliance at the BNP Chairperson’s Office in Gulshan.
Representing the BNP were the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Liaison Committee Coordinator and Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman, and Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo.
The discussions, which began at 4:30pm, concluded at 8:30pm.
Throughout the day, the BNP held meetings with at least 24 political parties, with plans to engage with 26 more factions involved in the anti-fascist movement.
During the discussions, participating parties addressed issues concerning the interim government's activities, rising commodity prices, deteriorating law and order, and other national concerns. However, the BNP refrained from making any final decisions.
BNP leaders stated that decisions would be taken after further consultations with all parties involved in the movement, followed by discussions within the Standing Committee.
Several leaders from the participating alliances disclosed that the BNP sought opinions regarding an electoral roadmap. It was highlighted that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had vaguely indicated elections could take place between December 2025 and the first half of 2026.
However, CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam suggested elections by June 2026.
This inconsistency prompted demands for a clearer timeline, with the 12-Party Alliance asserting that 2025 was sufficient for election preparations.
Concerns were also raised about the emergence of a “Kings Party,” allegedly being facilitated by certain members of the interim government under the guise of a new political entity named “Janshakti.”
Alliance leaders insisted that no political party should operate under the government’s patronage and demanded resignation from those aiming to establish political organisations.
Ehsanul Huda, Chairman of the National Party and coordinator of the 12-Party Alliance, remarked that the BNP sought their opinions on various political and national issues, expressing the need for rapid electoral reforms.
Shahadat Hossain Selim, chairman of Bangladesh LDP and spokesperson for the alliance, added that with sufficient efficiency and consensus, national elections could be held promptly.
Sources revealed that the BNP plans to engage in behind-the-scenes discussions with the interim government regarding an electoral roadmap, avoiding direct street protests to prevent undermining the government.
Nevertheless, they anticipate a roadmap announcement by early 2024.
Nazrul Islam Khan, a BNP Standing Committee Member, stated, "The fall of Sheikh Hasina marked the end of fascism, but democracy is yet to be restored. While we have achieved the objective of her ousting, our goal of reinstating democracy remains unfulfilled."
Representatives from 12 prominent political parties and alliances participated in the discussions, including Mustafa Jamal Haidar, leader of the 12-Party Alliance and Chairman of the National Party (Kazi Zafar), and leaders from the Bangladesh LDP, JAGPA, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and others.
Meetings also included figures from the Nationalist Sympathetic Alliance, led by Fariduzzaman Farhad of the NPP, and representatives from the Labour Party.
The consensus among participants underscored the urgency of an electoral roadmap and swift reforms to facilitate elections.
They warned against further delays, citing public eagerness to vote and potential backlash against postponements.
