All democratic parties demand elections in December: 12-party alliance

Leaders of the 12-party alliance have affirmed that not just one, but all democratic political parties in the country want the upcoming general election to be held in December this year.

They emphasized that elections are the cornerstone for the nation’s liberation and progress—a truth repeatedly proven over time.

In a statement released to the media on Friday, the alliance leaders expressed these views, which were earlier confirmed by alliance spokesperson Shahadat Hossain Selim.

The statement was issued in response to Nobel laureate and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who is currently visiting Japan. During his speech at the Nikkei Forum, Dr. Yunus claimed that only one political party supports holding elections in December.

Protesting this assertion, the 12-party alliance leaders accused the Nobel laureate of misrepresenting the facts.

They clarified that all pro-democracy parties in the country have consistently demanded elections be held in December for the past nine months.

Furthermore, they alleged that Dr. Yunus has been attempting to delay the electoral process by aligning himself with fundamentalist, unpopular, and anti-liberation political groups.

The alliance leaders added that they have repeatedly called for elections to be conducted as early as June this year.

This demand has been echoed by progressive political parties nationwide through statements, speeches, and meetings with the chief adviser.

They accused Dr. Yunus of employing rhetorical tactics to cling to power, but stressed that the people of Bangladesh have seen through what they described as his theatrics, including his resignation stunt.

The statement also alleged that many of the political figures Dr. Yunus has recently met are known supporters of authoritarian regimes and have sought refuge under the patronage of autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina.