BNP warns against delaying Bangladesh elections

Dhaka

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) plans to meet interim government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday to demand that national elections be held no later than December 2025. The party is calling for a clear timeline and urgent election preparations by the Election Commission.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the party will ask Yunus to publicly confirm the election deadline and urge officials to complete necessary steps without delay. If no agreement is reached, BNP warned it may launch street protests to push for timely elections and restore democracy.

Party sources said BNP has lined up public events over the next three months, including marches, rallies, and local meetings. A senior BNP member expressed concern that some officials are pushing to keep the interim government in power for five years. He claimed Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Fisheries Advisor Farida Akhter hinted at extending the government's rule.

BNP’s Mirza Abbas accused these officials of trying to delay elections for personal gain. He warned such actions could damage Yunus’s image and harm the nation.

Last month, Yunus said elections could be held between December 2025 and June 2026. However, BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman criticized reform talks, saying officials promoting reforms are enjoying government perks while blocking real change.

BNP leaders continue to fear a plot to delay national elections and sideline democratic processes.