BNP disappointed over outcome of talks with Yunus

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) expressed disappointment over the interim government’s failure to provide a clear roadmap for parliamentary elections. 

“We are disheartened by the vague statement from the government’s press secretary regarding discussions between the Chief Adviser and political parties,” said BNP Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain.

Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Tuesday afternoon, Khandaker Mosharraf elaborated on the party’s concerns following a May 24 meeting with the Chief Adviser. 

The BNP, along with other political parties, met the interim government’s leadership, but the subsequent statement lacked a concrete plan for national elections by December 2025. 

“BNP has never demanded the Chief Adviser’s resignation and does not seek it now. However, we insist on a clear roadmap for a fair and impartial parliamentary election,” he emphasised.

Khandaker Mosharraf noted that reforms and elections can proceed simultaneously, as reforms are ongoing. He stressed that trials of individuals and parties accused of crimes against humanity, including “fallen fascist forces,” should continue. 

He criticized the Advisory Council’s May 24 statement as vague and misleading, raising doubts about the government’s impartiality. “The government’s claim that its work is being disrupted by unreasonable demands or foreign conspiracies reflects its own shortcomings,” he said.

The BNP leader called for a specific election timeline to counter “defeated forces” and ensure stability through a fair parliamentary election. 

“Greater national unity is essential to advance elections, trials, and reforms while preventing dictatorship,” he said, reaffirming BNP’s support for the government’s reform initiatives, judicial processes, and fair elections. 

However, he expressed concern over the Advisory Council’s vague allegations that certain groups are obstructing its responsibilities.

Khandaker Mosharraf also urged the removal of controversial advisers to maintain the government’s neutrality and strengthen unity among political and social forces involved in the July student-mass uprising. 

He highlighted public doubts about the government’s commitment to the rule of law, citing its failure to administer the oath to Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor-elect Ishraq Hossain despite a court verdict. “We expect the government to act promptly and ensure his oath-taking tomorrow,” he added.

The BNP stressed that establishing an elected government by December 2025 through free and fair elections is the top priority to fulfil the aspirations of the July uprising. 

“Without a clear roadmap, it will be challenging for BNP to continue cooperating with the interim government,” Khandaker Mosharraf warned.

He hoped that the government would foster consensus to maintain stability, control inflation, and boost investment, trade, and commerce. 

Responding to journalists, he noted, “We sought a positive message from the meeting, but the government failed to deliver. Delaying elections beyond December 2025 is impractical due to Ramadan, SSC exams, and potential disasters in February.” 

He accused the government of using reforms as an excuse to postpone elections.

BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Salah Uddin Ahmed, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman, and Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed were present at the press conference.