One-sided election timeline fuels political crisis: Prince

BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince said that the Chief Adviser’s announcement of a one-sided election timeline for April is worsening the ongoing political crisis. He said it raises questions about the interim government’s intentions, neutrality, and credibility.

He said, “Such actions by the government may lead the people to take to the streets, demanding elections under a neutral government.”

During an Eid reunion event at the District Council Rest House premises in Dobaura upazila of Mymensingh on Monday, Prince said that except for one or two parties, almost all political parties, including the BNP, along with state institutions, have been demanding elections by December. He said the sudden announcement of a timeline for April elections reflects an authoritarian mindset.

Prince said, “If the government does not withdraw its one-sided election plan, the BNP will not hesitate to make any decision, along with the people who are eagerly waiting for fair elections and democracy.”

“No matter how many restrictions the government imposes on rallies and gatherings in different parts of Dhaka, if Tarique Rahman calls for movement demanding a neutral election, the people will flood the streets and won’t leave until their demands are fulfilled,” he added.

Stating that the BNP does not want to see such a situation arise, Prince urged the government to hold discussions with political parties and announce a new election timeframe through mutual consensus.