Against a backdrop of political unrest, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has said that swift national elections are the key to ending the country’s growing instability. With mounting urgency, party leaders are demanding the announcement of a clear roadmap.
Meanwhile, potential BNP candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections have intensified their activities in constituencies across the country, preparing for the polls while urging the interim government to set a reasonable election date.
In this regard, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Dhaka Tribune: “The trust people place in an elected government, coupled with the strength it derives from democratic legitimacy, is undeniable. An unelected government cannot achieve much. We have demanded a clear roadmap. Timely elections will help resolve many of the crises currently facing the nation.”
He further added: “Reforms must be pursued, but only through an acceptable election held as soon as possible. This is the need of the hour.”
Interim govt’s position
In a recent address, Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, said that the next national elections could be held between late 2025 and early 2026.
Additionally, a national consensus commission has been formed under his leadership to address urgent issues related to the elections and build a collective agreement on these matters.
A member of the interim government revealed to Dhaka Tribune that the BNP is pressuring the administration to announce an election date, prioritizing elections over reforms in its discussions with the chief advisor.
Information Adviser Nahid Islam said in a statement that political parties in Bangladesh often prioritize proving the government’s failure and pushing for elections rather than reforms.
However, after the statement was published, Public Relations Officer Muhammad Jasim Uddin, who issued the press release, was removed from his duties. Jasim later clarified that the statement had been sent out in error.
BNP’s Election Strategy
Mirza Fakhrul reiterated the BNP’s stance that unelected governments should not remain in power for extended periods. “While we want reforms, we firmly believe that an unelected government must not overstay its tenure,” he said.
Despite these assertions, BNP leaders dismissed allegations of exerting undue pressure on the interim government, maintaining that political parties are cooperating with the administration.
However, while talking to several BNP leaders from different levels of the party, Dhaka Tribune found that there is a growing concern about the government’s reluctance to specify an election date.
This uncertainty, coupled with conflicting statements from within the interim administration, has fueled speculation within the BNP that elections could be delayed.
Grassroots mobilization
From grassroots activists to senior leaders, the BNP has intensified election preparations nationwide. Local-level processions and rallies are ongoing, with slogans emphasizing the party’s readiness for the polls.
The party leaders say that in the last fifteen years, the party leaders who have been active in the movement against the Sheikh Hasina government as well as the top leaders of like-minded political parties have been advised by the party policymakers to provide support to the grassroots leaders.
The BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has announced that if the party wins, it will form a national government with like-minded parties and establish a bicameral parliament.
This vision has become a central focus of the BNP’s election preparations.
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury affirmed that the party’s election-oriented approach remains steadfast. “As an election-focused party, we are preparing accordingly,” he said.
Leaders say that priority will be given to candidates who participated in the 2018 elections, particularly those from the BNP’s student wing, Chhatra Dal.
Former MPs active in the anti-government movement are also being considered.
The Chhatra Dal’s organizational structure is undergoing changes, with the newly formed Dhaka Metropolitan North Branch committee facing criticism from disgruntled members, who termed it a “pocket committee.”
BNP affiliate organizations—Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and Swechasebak Dal—are holding joint workers’ meetings in every district to disseminate Tarique Rahman’s instructions.
Senior leaders from these groups are coordinating activities at the grassroots level to ensure clarity and direction for field-level activists.
Organizational restructuring
In October, a new committee for the Private University Chhatra Dal was formed to strengthen student-level organizational efforts.
Since August, with the political dynamics shifting in the BNP’s favor, the party has been restructuring district-level committees, with several old ones being dissolved.
BNP Organizing Secretary Imran Saleh Prince highlighted the renewed vigor within the party, saying: “Every unit across the country is being revitalized. For the past fifteen years, organizational activities were largely stifled. Now, our leaders are actively engaging with the people, attending social, political and religious events in their areas.”
Former BNP MPs, many of whom were previously unable to participate in political activities due to legal challenges, have begun reconnecting with their constituencies. Public relations campaigns, processions and rallies are in full swing, signaling the party’s readiness for elections.
Prince said: “Our leaders are standing by their communities, participating in flood relief efforts and attending religious and social events. Despite ongoing legal challenges, we are working to support our leaders and bring them back into active politics.”