Most political parties have expressed their support for holding national elections by December during a high-level dialogue with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.
The discussions reflected a growing consensus among party leaders on the urgency of timely elections. The majority of participants conveyed their position clearly in the meeting, emphasizing that with the government’s willingness, elections by December are not only possible but necessary.
However, a few political parties maintained their stance that elections may only be considered after significant reforms.
The meeting took place at the Foreign Service Academy at 7pm on Monday.
Speaking to reporters after the opening ceremony of the second phase of the dialogue between political parties and the National Consensus Commission, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that election-oriented reforms could be implemented through executive or office orders.
He added: “I hope the chief adviser will consider the matter and take appropriate action.”
He further noted that it is not just the BNP—most political parties are in favor of elections being held by December.
Salahuddin commented that the government appears sincere about the reform agenda but has taken considerable time. “Reforms were discussed in today’s meeting. We presented our views, and there was extensive discussion. We agree with many of the Consensus Commission’s recommendations, though there may be some differences. However, the BNP will prioritize the greater interests of the nation. We have been advocating for people’s voting rights and democracy. We are willing to compromise on matters that would benefit the nation if accepted.”
He added: "We submitted our detailed opinions based on the Reform Commission’s recommendations. We engaged with the Commission over three days and have also submitted our views in writing. The Reform Commission has held meetings with other parties as well."
The BNP leader emphasized: “Through these discussions, we have found common ground on key issues. We are ready to accept what serves the nation’s broader interest. If these are adopted as national policy, it will foster unity. We will support those proposals that uphold the Constitution and strengthen democratic governance.”
Meanwhile, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur said that all but three political parties are in favor of elections by December.
Regarding the election timeline, Nur said that the chief adviser had indicated elections would be held between December and June next year. “Several political parties, including the BNP, have suggested that elections be held by December. This is also reflected in the roadmap announced by the chief adviser. Since the Reform Commission has already finalized its proposals, elections could be held before December if the government desires.”
When asked to name the three dissenting political parties, Nurul Haque declined, asking reporters to infer the names themselves.
He also pointed out that many parties have raised concerns over certain members of the Advisory Council, making its reorganization an urgent matter.
On the topic of reforms, Nur said: “The reforms that have received unanimous agreement should be implemented. While not all reforms can be enacted at this stage, we can proceed with those possible through ordinances. Others may require parliamentary action. That’s why we propose implementing as many reforms as possible through national consensus.”
Jamaat's position: Elections between December and April
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has not explicitly supported a December election date. The party’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former lawmaker Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said that the party wants a roadmap outlining elections between December and April. Jamaat is not in favor of setting a specific deadline for any party.
Dr Taher said several issues were discussed during the meeting. “We proposed that reforms be completed by July, after which all parties can sign the July Charter. The political parties have expressed confidence in the government, and national elections should be held under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus.”
He added: “The chief adviser mentioned that elections would be held between December and June. We responded that May and June coincide with the monsoon, fasting, and examinations. Therefore, a timeline between December and April would be less controversial. We want the chief adviser to create a roadmap. That will dispel public uncertainty.”
Dr Taher also criticized the lack of visible progress on ensuring voting rights for 11 million expatriates. “We discussed the need for advancement in this area.”
He emphasized: “We also demanded a level playing field for elections to ensure transparency and public acceptance. A conducive pre-election environment is essential.”
NCP: No elections without completing reforms
The National Citizens Party (NCP) has declared that elections should not be held until the reform process is complete. The party insists that the July Charter be signed by all political parties within the 30-day period announced by the chief adviser, said the party’s convener, Nahid Islam.
Nahid Islam said: “The NCP raised three core issues in the meeting: the July Charter, reforms, and the elections.”
He added: “We emphasized that the July Charter must acknowledge the context of the mass uprising and commemorate the contributions of the martyrs. The election date should be declared only after the Charter is officially adopted and reforms are implemented—particularly reforms to the electoral system.”
Among the BNP leaders present at the meeting were Ismail Zabihullah, a member of the BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council, and Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal.
Representing Jamaat were Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Assistant Secretaries General Rafiqul Islam Khan and Hamidur Rahman Azad.
Other participants included Ganasanghati Andolan Coordinator Junaid Saki, NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar, and leaders from various other political parties.
In total, 29 political parties took part in the meeting.