CA’s speech: No mention of election date frustrates BNP
The BNP expressed its disappointment yesterday over the absence of a specific date for the next parliamentary polls in the chief adviser's recent address to the nation.
The party urged the interim government to set an election date through dialogues with political parties and other stakeholders.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. It also pointed out that conflicting statements from the chief adviser and his press secretary about the election timeline have created confusion.
"We had hoped that the chief adviser would come up with a clear election roadmap, but he did not do so. This has left us and the nation disappointed," said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
He was speaking at a press conference at the party chairperson's Gulshan office in the morning.
In an address to the nation on Monday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus hinted that the 13th parliamentary polls could be held either at the end of 2025 or in the first half of 2026.
However, his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said the next general election could be expected by June 30, 2026.
The BNP said since the new Election Commission has already been formed, there is no justification for delaying the next general election.
"It is possible to hold the election after completing the election-related reforms. Hence, the people expect a clear statement from the chief adviser on this matter," said Fakhrul.
The chief adviser has delivered five speeches to the nation since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5. Following each speech, the BNP has called for a clear election roadmap with a specific timeline.
Fakhrul said although the new EC has already been formed, the BNP does not see any preparations for the general election.
He said the CA in his speech mentioned a possible timeframe for the election, but failed to provide clear details about the election roadmap.
"The chief adviser referred to late 2025 or January 2026 as possible dates for the next general election, but his press secretary later stated that elections might be held in June 2026. These contradictory statements will only cause confusion.
"We are uncertain about which statement is correct. It does not seem logical and it has left us disappointed."
Asked whether political parties are prepared for elections, he replied that parties are always ready for elections. "Everything will become clear once the election date is announced."
Enquired whether the BNP would take any measures against former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque over the scrapping of the caretaker government system,
Fakhrul said, "Whenever the right time or opportunity arises, he [Khairul] will be brought to book."
The party welcomed the recent High Court verdict that scrapped part of the 15th amendment.
"We welcome and appreciate this verdict," said Fakhrul.
BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed also spoke at the press conference.
On Tuesday, the HC scrapped part of the 15th constitutional amendment that abolished the non-party caretaker government system. It also gave some observations.
Fakhrul said the HC recognised that the next elected parliament will be the only appropriate forum for amending the constitution.
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