Nat’l elections must be held by December: Tarique

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman called for national elections to be held by December, urging party members and citizens to prepare for the polls. 

He made the statement during a youth rally organised by BNP’s affiliate organisations – Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal – in front of the party’s central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Alleging delays in the electoral process, Rahman emphasized the need for an elected government to reflect the people’s mandate. “Any party requires an accountable government to implement its programs. However, delays in holding elections have already begun, trapping the process in a cycle of so-called reforms,” he said.

Addressing the interim government, Tarique iterated, “The national elections must be held by December.” He questioned the government’s credibility, suggesting that some within and outside the administration may have ulterior motives behind the delays. 

He cited the case of Ishraq Hossain, who has been prevented from assuming the role of Dhaka South Mayor despite a court verdict, accusing the interim government of disregarding the rule of law. 

“How much reform can we expect from those who ignore court orders? Reforming mindsets is more critical than superficial changes,” he added.

Tarique stressed that neutrality and credibility are the interim government’s greatest assets. “Do not take steps that erode public trust or alienate supporters of democracy. If anyone seeks to cling to power, they should resign, join the people, and contest elections,” he urged.

Highlighting that 35 million new voters have been added to the voter list over the past 15 years, Rahman noted that many have yet to vote in a free national election. 

He called on the interim government to make visible preparations for the polls, pointing out that past caretaker governments in Bangladesh held impartial elections within three months, while the current administration has not announced an election date despite 10 months in office.

“The people of a fascism-free Bangladesh want an accountable government elected through direct votes,” Tarique said. 

He urged the younger generation to prepare for the elections and choose their representatives wisely. Addressing BNP leaders and activists, he added, “Go to the people, understand their expectations, and win their hearts, as they are the source of our political power.”

The rally, chaired by Juba Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna, featured speeches by BNP Standing Committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moin Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, and others.