BNP rejects April timeline, demands polls by December

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has rejected the proposed timeline for national elections in April 2026, reiterating its demand that the polls be held by December 2025.

The decision came during a BNP Standing Committee meeting held late Friday night (June 6), following Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’s national address, in which he announced that the next general election would be held in the first half of April 2026.

In a press release issued by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party criticized the chief adviser’s speech, calling it politically inappropriate and beyond the interim government's mandate. BNP leaders objected to the inclusion of topics such as ports and corridors, which they argue do not fall under the interim government's jurisdiction.

BNP leaders criticized the chief advisor’s speech, saying it exceeded the constitutional scope of the interim government. The statement expressed concern that Dr. Yunus discussed issues such as ports and transit corridors, which the party claims fall outside the government's three defined mandates.

The BNP also raised practical and political concerns about holding elections in April, citing extreme heat, Ramadan, and exam schedules, which they say could disrupt campaigning and voter turnout. They warned that such timing may lead to further delays under the pretext of logistical difficulties.

“No specific reason was provided for why elections cannot be held by December,” the statement said. “The people of this country have struggled for years to restore their right to vote. Any further delay will only deepen public frustration and suspicion.”

The BNP accused the interim government of acting under the influence of a specific political party, undermining its claim of neutrality. The party emphasized that a timely election is essential to restoring public trust and democratic governance.