BNP firmly focused on elections in December

Despite ongoing doubts and divisions among mid-level and grassroots leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) regarding elections, reforms, and justice, the party’s central leadership remains firm in its election-centric demands and continues to actively pursue them.

Over the past nine months of the caretaker government, six advisors from two political platforms have faced calls for resignation. However, there has been neither demand for resignation nor any significant criticism directed at Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Nevertheless, on Thursday (May 22), rumors unexpectedly surfaced that Dr. Yunus was considering stepping down. Factors contributing to this speculation include pressure to hold elections by December, political disunity over reforms, mob violence, the humanitarian corridor debate regarding Rakhine, and the controversial proposal to hand over Chattogram Port management to foreign hands.

Whether due to frustration or external pressure, the rumors of Professor Yunus’s resignation triggered political unrest and fueled widespread speculation. Putting an end to such rumors, the Chief Advisor held meetings at his official residence, Jamuna, first with BNP, then with Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Republic Party (NCP) on May 24. The following day, he met with 20 other political parties, including LDP, Nagorik Oikya, the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Gonosonghoti Andolon, Khilafat Majlish, and Islami Andolon.

Over the past nine months, the capital has seen near-daily protests on various issues, often bringing traffic to a halt and causing severe public suffering. In the past week alone, movements led by BNP and its affiliates rendered Dhaka virtually immobile. Thus, news of political meetings brought a temporary sense of relief to the national political scene.

However, the BNP’s haste in pushing for an election roadmap, alongside the rigid stance of other political parties demanding reforms and justice for the Awami League and its allies, continues to prevent calm from settling in.

Conversations with various BNP central committees and affiliated organizations reveal general support for the party’s current stance on elections and readiness to mobilize on the streets. However, some express concern that recent public messaging may be misaligned with broader public sentiment. Following rumors of Dr. Yunus’s resignation, there is increasing awareness within BNP about the need for more strategic communication.

Party insiders say that while elections remain the main goal, retaining Dr. Yunus as Chief Advisor is seen as essential. They also argue that implementing minimal reforms prior to elections would add legitimacy, and that the justice process must become more visible.

A central member of the BNP-affiliated Jubo Dal, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that although a BNP central leader (Salahuddin Ahmed) suggested the public would find a new alternative if the Chief Advisor resigns, the reality is that few acceptable alternatives exist. This sentiment has sparked internal disagreements.

Another senior BNP leader, also requesting anonymity, noted that although opinions vary on Dr. Yunus’s role, there is greater interest in working with him to secure elections in December—even if that means allowing him more time to deliver results.

A Jubo Dal leader added that grassroots members are eager for elections but continue to raise questions about reforms and justice. “We agree on one thing,” he said, “If the interim government fails, it should at least hold the elections. A BNP-led government will then carry out credible reforms and justice initiatives.”

BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Amanullah Aman echoed this view, saying, “If the interim government is sincere, they could already start the reform process, which the BNP will implement properly once in power. But so far, they’ve shown no visible progress.”

On questions of internal division, Aman said, “We are united under Tarique Rahman’s leadership. Nothing has happened to suggest otherwise. We have always maintained that reforms and elections can proceed simultaneously. There’s no reason the process should stretch beyond December. We’re working toward restoring democracy in the country.”

On Tuesday afternoon, following a BNP Standing Committee meeting, member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain stated, “December is the ideal time for elections. After that, Ramadan, the monsoon, and major public exams like SSC and HSC will make elections impractical. Historically, elections have always been held in December or January, except for one instance when it was held in June due to compulsion.”

Earlier that day, speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club, Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that any political party failing to meet public expectations has no future. “Future politics will not resemble the past. It must evolve to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people. Politicians who fail to understand this have no future.”

On the matter of reform, he said, “A thousand reforms won’t help if Bangladesh’s political culture remains unchanged. The first step of reform is changing that political culture, and we must stay committed to this change.”

Khasru also criticized the lack of transparency regarding submitted reform proposals. “Everyone submitted their reform papers. Dr. Yunus said reforms with consensus would be implemented. Then why hasn’t the nation been informed of the areas of consensus? This is a mystery.”

On justice, he stated, “There isn’t a single person in Bangladesh who doesn’t want to see the Awami League held accountable. BNP has been the most affected, so we’re naturally the most interested in justice. It is the government’s duty to initiate legal proceedings. If they fail, we will. But trials must be held through an independent judiciary—not politicized like under Sheikh Hasina.”

In response to a question at the end of the event, Khasru told Views Bangladesh, “There’s no indecision or confusion within BNP regarding our position. The country needs a political government to end the crisis. That’s why we are advocating for democratic elections.”