The BNP wants to put its trust in the interim government but cannot do so confidently until a specific timeline for the next general election is unveiled.

Despite earlier assurances from the interim government that the polls would be held in December this year, varying statements from Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus have fuelled scepticism within the party leadership.

Addressing police officers, the chief adviser yesterday stressed the need for implementing reforms, saying that the interim administration has "limited time before the upcoming election in December".

Three days earlier, he said the election could take place either in December this year or in June next year, depending on the political consensus around proposed reform packages.

If the political parties agree to a "short reform package", the election could happen this December. However, if they opt for a "comprehensive reform package", the election would be postponed until June next year.

Until the election date is announced, such "floating remarks" are not reassuring, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury told The Daily Star yesterday.

"What is the problem in declaring the election date? There has to be a cut-off date for everything. Nothing can be open-ended. Uncertainty surrounding this matter is creating doubts among people, which is unfortunate," he added.

Salahuddin Ahmed, another member of the party's standing committee, termed the chief adviser's remarks "inconsistent".

"Earlier, he [Yunus] said that the election would be held in December. Now he is saying the date may change depending on the undertaking of comprehensive or short reform packages. What we figure now is that constitutional reforms are a major issue, and for this, a parliament is needed."

What is the problem in declaring the election date? There has to be a cut-off date for everything. Nothing can be open-ended.

— Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury

The other reforms could be done through ordinances if all political parties agreed, and it would not take more than three months.

"We don't know why he [Yunus] is making inconsistent comments. We expect him to make it clear that the election will be held by December," he added.

At a programme on Sunday, Mirza Abbas, another standing committee member, said: "We've heard many things -- some say the election will happen, the others say it won't. We don't want to believe in anything. We want to believe that Dr Yunus will stand by his words. We hope to see an election by December."

The BNP's suspicion deepened following a February 10 meeting between its senior leaders and Yunus. After the meeting, BNP leaders said they were assured that the election would be held in December.

However, two weeks later, Shafiqul Alam, the chief adviser's press secretary, said the election could also be held in March next year depending on political consensus.

The BNP leaders believe that the government is trying to cater to the interests of multiple political groups, which may explain the conflicting statements.

They point to the emergence of the National Citizen Party (NCP) led by Nahid Islam as a factor influencing the interim government's strategy.

Nahid recently told Reuters that holding the election in December may be difficult because of the current law and order situation.

However, he added that before polls can be held, it would be crucial to reach a consensus on the "July Charter" that the interim government plans to prepare in consultation with political parties and student activists.

"If we can reach that consensus within a month, we can call for polls immediately. But if it takes more time, the election should be deferred," Nahid added.

Following Nahid's remarks, the BNP standing committee held an emergency meeting where it discussed the possibility of a deliberate delay in the election.

"It is clear that the government is trying to play both sides. On one hand, it is trying to assure the BNP that an election would be held in December. On the other hand, it is trying to keep open the option of holding the election in June next year to satisfy the other political parties," said a senior leader wishing not to be named.

Sarjis Alam, the chief organiser of the NCP for the northern region, made a controversial statement that reinforced BNP's concerns.

Until the execution of Sheikh Hasina, no one should even talk about the election, he said.

Meanwhile, despite the uncertainty, the Election Commission is preparing for a December election.

However, logistical challenges remain.

If the election is delayed beyond December, the next feasible window might not open until October 2026 as there will be Ramadan, HSC exams and the monsoon season from February to June.

The BNP leaders argue that an election delay will only add to the political instability and distrust towards the government.