As the political climate heats up again, the BNP is adopting a more cautious stance, reversing its earlier support for the interim government and student leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Movement amid suspicions of a plot to delay the national election.

Speaking to UNB, some senior party leaders said although the government has assured them the national election will be held by December this year, they are becoming sceptical that the promise may not be kept due to influence from the students, Jamaat, and a group within the government.

They, however, said their party leaders and activists will demonstrate the utmost patience and tolerance to avoid any clashes, unless they are pushed into a corner.

Given the strained relationship between their party and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the BNP leaders said they are now working out their political strategy considering the Islamist party as a potential political opponent in the upcoming election.

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They said they are closely monitoring the formation of a political party by the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

“If the students form a party and step away from their positions in the government, we’ll welcome them. But if they try to use state power and machinery to organise their party, we won’t accept it. If that happens, it will strain our relations with both the government and the students,” said a BNP standing committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He observed that a group within the government, influenced by the students and Jamaat as well as driven by their personal interests, is trying to prolong their hold on power by creating obstacles to the national election under the guise of reforms and local body elections.

The BNP leader said the students want the election to be delayed until they can organise their party and give it a strong national presence. “Jamaat is backing the students because they, too, want to delay the election in order to prepare their party. Jamaat believes that the longer the election is delayed, the more BNP’s popularity will decline, creating an opportunity for their party to perform better in the polls.”

In such a situation, he said, they are taking a very cautious approach towards both the government and the students. “We’ll try to bring the students out of Jamaat’s influence and may consider including them in our electoral alliance. But if they don’t change their stance, there will be a problem with us. We’re also moving forward thinking of Jamaat as our political opponent in future politics”.

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Another BNP standing committee member said they began holding rallies at the district level from February 12 as part of a strategy to put pressure on the government regarding the election issue. “Through this, we also want to create an electoral atmosphere in the country.”

He said their party will hold an extended meeting on February 27 to revitalise the party’s rank and file, ensuring they remain active in pressuring the government to hold the election by December this year.

The BNP leader also said they will focus on mass communication and iftar-centred politics in their respective constituencies during Ramadan. “We’ll also plan our post-Eid programmes to remain active on the streets.”

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"Our standing committee still has confidence in the Chief Adviser’s commitment to hold the election by December. But we’re observing a negative attitude towards the election from certain quarters. Therefore, we are sceptical about whether the government will ultimately stick to its decision. That’s why we’ll intensify our pressure on the government to present an election roadmap,” he said.

The BNP leader, however, said  they want to avoid any kind of clash or violence ahead of the next national parliamentary election to maintain the party's image and prevent a third party from taking advantage.

“We want to realise our demand for a swift election by protecting the 'honour and dignity' of the interim government's Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. So, we’ll continue to apply pressure on the government, but we won’t do anything that would disrespect him,” he said.

Contacted, BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said they have been cooperating with the government since its formation, hoping it will arrange a credible national election that reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people.

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“Before our patience runs out, we hope the interim government will take steps towards the election. The election will determine who the people choose to hold power,” he said.

Gayeshwar warned the government not to create a situation where the people are forced to wage a fierce movement and engage in clashes with law enforcers to realise their demand for the election.

“We brought this government in with respect, and we want to see it off with respect. So, the government should fulfil its duty of organising the election,” he said.

The BNP leader said they sometimes criticise the government’s shortcomings, but clarified that this does not mean they are no longer cooperating. “We are still cooperating with them, but time will tell whether BNP will have to take a stricter stance in demanding elections.”

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BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said the government has assured their party that the election will be held by December.

“If they are sincere about their commitment, they should immediately announce the election roadmap. The people of this country have entrusted them with the responsibility of restoring democracy through a credible election. They should now do their duty, instead of engaging in any underhanded tactics,” he said.