Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, a senior member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee, has sharply criticised Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus over his recent comments on the public’s stance toward national elections and the interim government.
The debate underscores growing tensions between the interim administration and political parties eager for a swift return to democratic processes.
Speaking to journalists after a Liaison Committee meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan on Monday, April 28, Khasru directly challenged Yunus’s assertion that Bangladeshis are content with the interim government and not pressing for elections.
In an interview with Al-Jazeera’s Talk to Al-Jazeera programme, published on Sunday under the title “Muhammad Yunus: Real Reform or Just a New Ruling Class in Bangladesh?”, Yunus stated, “Looking at the situation in Bangladesh, people still think that an interim government is a good solution for them. They are not saying, bid farewell to the interim government. They are not asking for votes right now. Nobody is saying that. We are heading in that direction.”
Khasru fired back, asking, “How did you understand that people are not asking for votes?”
He emphasized that democracy cannot be established without elections, stating, “No great man can come and give democracy without votes. The people will elect their representatives through voting.” The BNP leader highlighted that around 50 political parties, including the BNP, have demanded elections by December, reflecting widespread public sentiment for a return to elected governance.
Khasru reminded the Chief Adviser of earlier commitments, noting, “The Chief Adviser reiterated in our last meeting with the BNP that a national consensus has been formed on elections by June.”
However, the BNP is pushing for an earlier timeline, with Khasru asserting, “We want elections by December. The people have exercised their right to vote and shed their blood to form the government. This sacrifice is not for the establishment of a great man, but for the establishment of effective democracy.”
The BNP’s stance reflects frustration over perceived delays by the interim government, which assumed power amid political upheaval.
Khasru expressed confidence that Yunus would honour promises made during prior meetings with political parties, saying, “We believe the Chief Adviser will not change his statements and commitments.”
The BNP’s push for elections aligns with broader political activity. On the same day, the Liaison Committee met with representatives from NAP Bhasani, Aam Janata Dal, and the People’s Party, signalling a coordinated effort among parties to pressure the interim government. The demand for elections by December underscores the urgency felt by opposition parties to restore democratic processes after a period of uncertainty.