A BNP delegation is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on April 16, following the party's request for a discussion regarding the upcoming national election and reforms.
The meeting will be held at the Chief Adviser’s official residence, the State Guest House Jamuna, at 12pm, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said on Wednesday.
Earlier, the BNP had requested an appointment with the chief adviser to resolve the confusion surrounding the national election.
“We have sought time to meet the chief adviser. After the meeting, we will address the election issue,” said Salahuddin.
He said they would certainly urge the chief adviser to present a clear roadmap for the upcoming parliamentary election.
“We will urge him to lay out a transparent and proper process for the national election, so that the current sense of instability and uncertainty is resolved,” he added.
The BNP leader stressed that a clear election roadmap is essential not only to settle the election-related concerns but also to restore political stability and stimulate economic activities.
He said the party would also request Dr Yunus to ensure that the election is held in December, as this would allow the interim government ample time to organize the polls.
“We previously discussed this with the Election Commission, and they confirmed that they would be able to complete all preparations for the election by June,” said Salahuddin.
He also mentioned that the chief adviser had earlier assured them that his government was working to hold the election by December.
“Given the confusion created by various statements from different parties, we will call upon the chief adviser to clarify the situation,” he added.
Another BNP Standing Committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the party would also raise the issue of the ongoing reform process during the meeting.
“In particular, we want clarity on when exactly the election will be held,” he said.
He added that during the Standing Committee meeting on Monday, the decision was made to meet with the chief adviser promptly, due to the uncertainty regarding the interim government’s actual stance on the election timeline.
The BNP leader also noted that the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, is currently in Singapore for a medical check-up.
Fakhrul said he hopes to return in time to attend the meeting.
He added that the BNP delegation would deliver a clear message to the chief adviser: the party will not accept any attempt by the government to extend its tenure unnecessarily beyond June next year.
