Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens Party (NCP) held a meeting with Chief Adviser of the interim government Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Saturday (May 24). The meeting was held at the state guest house, Jamuna.
Later, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, informed reporters that all three parties expressed their support for Dr. Yunus and urged him not to step down from his position.
According to him, the parties agreed that the upcoming national election should be held under Dr. Yunus's leadership.
"The BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP have voiced their confidence in the Chief Adviser and want a fair and credible election to be conducted under his supervision," said the Press Secretary.
Although the BNP expressed some reservations, both Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP extended their support for holding the next parliamentary elections by June 30 of the upcoming year.
Dr. Yunus has reportedly stated that the election would be held between December and the end of June, and not beyond that period. Both Jamaat and NCP agreed to this proposed timeline.
The Press Secretary also mentioned that the NCP emphasized the importance of local elections and called for declaring all elections held during the Awami League's tenure invalid.
BNP Demands Reconstitution of Advisory Council
Meanwhile, the BNP has demanded the removal of controversial advisers from the current advisory council and called for its reconstitution.
After the meeting with the Chief Adviser, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain stated that while the party is not asking for Dr. Yunus’s resignation, it is insisting on a clear roadmap for elections.
"We want democracy and our constitutional rights, and that's why we are continuously pushing for elections. This is our responsibility," said Dr. Mosharraf. "We have not demanded the resignation of the Chief Adviser, but we have requested a roadmap from him."
He also claimed that BNP leaders and activists have suffered the most under the Awami League government, both personally and politically. Therefore, he asserted that justice against the Awami League is a major demand of the BNP. If not fulfilled under the current administration, the party would ensure accountability through an independent judiciary once in power.
The BNP has urged the interim government to immediately complete electoral reform efforts and announce a clear roadmap for the upcoming national polls.
Jamaat Calls for Clear Election Timeline
After the meeting with Dr. Yunus, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir Shafiqur Rahman also emphasized the need for a clearly defined election timeline.
He stated that elections should be held within the declared time frame—between December and June—while minimizing public inconvenience.
"Elections must be held in a manner that avoids significant public suffering and ensures a peaceful environment," said Rahman.
Dr. Yunus has reiterated at various times that the elections will take place within the December-to-June timeframe, a position that seems to have gained cautious support from multiple political actors.
