Delay in February election can threaten national security: Ali Riaz

Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has warned that postponing the national elections scheduled for February could lead to internal instability and pose a serious threat to Bangladesh’s national security.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled “Path to Political Agreement for Elections” held at the Prothom Alo office on Saturday, Ali Riaz emphasized the urgency of holding elections on time. “If elections are not held in February, it will not only create internal instability but also disrupt national security,” he said.

He added that without agreement on structural reforms in the state, elections alone will not bring about any fundamental change. “If we maintain the status quo with only minor adjustments, the outcome of elections will simply result in one party winning and governing without consolidating democracy,” he explained. Ali Riaz expressed concern that past attempts at reform in 1973, 1991, and 2009 had failed to produce a stable democratic framework.

Highlighting the ongoing political fragmentation, Ali Riaz said, “The unity that once existed among political parties in the fight against Sheikh Hasina’s personalistic autocracy has now fractured, which has led to persistent differences.” He urged political parties to clearly define their goals through the upcoming elections to achieve meaningful progress.

The roundtable was inaugurated by Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman and moderated by Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif.

The discussion included prominent political figures such as BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami Central Executive Council member Matiur Rahman Akand, Ganashonghoti Andolon Chief Coordinator Jonaid Saki, and National Citizens Party Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain.

Other notable attendees included former caretaker government advisor and PPRC Executive Chairman Hossain Zillur Rahman, CPD Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya, Ha-Meem Group MD & CEO A K Azad, National Consensus Commission member Badiul Alam Majumdar, Osmani Center for Peace and Security Chairman Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam, and Dhaka University professor Samina Lutfa.