United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday night said the nation’s expectations have not been fulfilled with the Chief Adviser’s speech regarding the fresh roadmap for the next parliamentary election. In an immediate reaction, Salahuddin told UNB that, “The Chief Adviser’s speech has not met the expectations of the nation.” He said their party Standing Committee is sitting for an emergency meeting at 9pm, to be chaired by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The BNP leader said they will elaborately discuss the matter and work out the next course of action. Govt resorting to ploys to delay election: Rizvi Salahuddin also said the BNP would come up with a detailed reaction to the Chief Adviser’s announced new election outline after holding discussions with other political parties involved in the simultaneous movement. Earlier, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, in his address to the nation, announced that the next national election will be held some time in the first half of April 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to reform, justice and democratic progress. “After reviewing the ongoing reforms in justice, governance and the electoral process, I am announcing today that the next national election will be held in the first half of April 2026,” he said in a televised address to the nation in the evening.

A four-member BNP delegation sat in a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Saturday evening as part of efforts to defuse mounting political tension in the country. The meeting, led by BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, began at 7:35pm at the Chief Advisers’ official residence Jamuna. The other members of the delegation included Standing Committee Members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed. Speaking to reporters earlier in the day after attending a programme in the capital, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said their discussion with the Chief Adviser would focus on the prevailing political situation, the upcoming general election and a roadmap for returning to democratic governance. Interim govt vows to act with people’s support against disruptive activities “In the current context, there is no alternative to a credible and prompt election if we are to restore the democratic order. “Today’s discussion will centre on how and how quickly this can be achieved,” the BNP leader said. He also said a formal agenda was not necessary for the meeting, given the urgency of the situation. “The most pressing issue for Bangladesh now is to determine how we move forward and how we can return to a democratic order as soon as possible.” The BNP leader said is not possible to restore the democratic order in the country without a credible election.  “This is the central issue, and I am sure it will be discussed today.” When asked whether the country was in a crisis following reports of the Chief Adviser’s intention to resign, Khosru said BNP does not view the situation as a crisis. He said the country urgently needs an elected and accountable government and parliament, established through a fair and transparent election. “This is the only way to overcome all the challenges we are currently facing.” Highlighting the sacrifices made by the people over the past 16 years, Khosru said they are now awaiting the restoration of democracy. In response to a question about whether BNP expects to be satisfied with this round of talks—given reports of dissatisfaction during their previous meeting with Dr Yunus—Khosru replied, “This is not about our satisfaction. We do politics for the satisfaction of people. We reflect their hopes and aspirations. The nation wants to elect a government through their vote—that is what matters most.” Responding to another question, he indicated that the election could be held before December. “Why should we wait until December?” At another programme, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said democratic transition is the only solution to the country’s ongoing crisis and evolving political scenario. “Bangladesh was under dictatorship for 15 years. So, the only solution now is a transition to democracy. There is no alternative for the 180 million people of the country,” he said during a discussion. Dr Moyeen posed a question to the nation, reflecting on the developments of the past nine months, during which, he said, the people of Bangladesh had started singing songs of freedom following the transformative events of 5 August. “August 5 was a historic day for every citizen, marking liberation from 15 years of tyranny and dictatorship. It was the beginning of a new era of democratic transition… That transition is the only way forward amid the current uncertainties. The 180 million people of Bangladesh must realise, understand and accept this truth,” he asserted. According to media reports, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus was considering resignation, frustrated by various political parties’ demonstrations and comments made by the Army Chief during an officers’ address on Wednesday regarding the government and the election.  

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 take place at the Chief Adviser's official residence State Guest House Jamuna at 12:00 noon, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told UNB on Wednesday. Earlier, the BNP has requested an appointment with the Chief Adviser to resolve confusion regarding the national election. “We have sought time to meet the Chief Adviser. After meeting with him, we will talk about this (election) issue,” said Salahuddin. Salahuddin said they will certainly urge the Chief Adviser to present a clear roadmap for the next parliamentary election. “We will urge him to clearly present the roadmap for the national election through the proper process, so that the sense of instability and uncertainty over the election issue is removed,” he said. The BNP leader said a clear election roadmap is necessary not only to address the election issue but also to restore political stability and inject dynamism into economic activities. He said they will also ask Dr Yunus to ensure the election is held in December, which provides sufficient time for the interim government to organise the polls. “We have previously discussed this with the Election Commission, and they have confirmed that they will be able to complete all preparations for the election by June,” Salahuddin said. Gaza Massacre: BNP’s solidarity rallies in Dhaka, other cities Thursday He also noted that the Chief Adviser also assured them earlier that his government is working to ensure the election is held by December. “Given the confusion surrounding the election due to statements from various parties on different issues, we will call upon the Chief Advisor to clear it,” the BNP leader said. Another BNP Standing Committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said their party would also talk about the ongoing reform process during the meeting. “In particular, we will want to be sure about when the election will be held.” He said their Standing Committee meeting on Monday decided to meet with the Chief Adviser soon, as there is confusion regarding the interim government’s actual position on the national election time frame. The BNP leader also said their party Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has been in Singapore for a health check-up. “I hope he will return home in time to attend the meeting.” He said their delegation would send a clear message to the Chief Adviser that the BNP will not accept any attempt by the government to extend its power unnecessarily until June next year.