BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that the national election must be held by December this year.
He expressed concern that the process around the next parliamentary election has already begun facing delays and called on the interim government to take visible steps to ensure the election is conducted on time.
Joining a youth rights rally virtually on Wednesday afternoon, held in front of the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, Tarique Rahman addressed the gathering as the chief guest.
The rally was organized jointly by the BNP’s student, youth, and volunteer wings — Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal. The event drew a large number of party leaders and activists.
Tarique said, “It seems that delays and confusion have already started surrounding the upcoming national election. The future of the election is caught between so-called minor and major reforms. People are beginning to believe that the delays under the guise of reforms might be hiding ulterior motives within and outside the interim government.”
Highlighting that around 35 million new voters have been added to the electoral roll in the past 15 years, he said, “These new voters have yet to experience voting in a fair national election and electing a representative of their choice. To the fallen, fugitive autocrat, public rights or elections were never important. Therefore, besides reform discussions, the interim government must visibly prepare for the upcoming national election.”
Referring to past elections under the caretaker government, Tarique emphasized, “Each time, we’ve seen the caretaker government successfully organized elections within three months. So, there is a precedent in Bangladesh of holding national elections within a short timeframe. Yet, even after 10 months, the current interim government has not announced an election date. We want to see a people-elected government that is accountable and responsible to the people, free from fascism.”
He reiterated his demand: “The national election must be held within December. Once again, we say, the election must take place by December.”
Calling on the new generation and citizens across the country, Tarique urged: “Start preparing so that the national election is held by December. Decide who should run the country, who should represent you — and vote in the national election to elect your representative.”
Tarique Rahman also expressed disappointment that Ishraque Hossain, BNP’s candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation mayor, was not allowed to assume office despite a court order.
“We saw how the former fugitive autocrat disregarded court rulings. Unfortunately, the current government, from whom people expected respect for the law, is now repeating the same by obstructing Ishraque from taking office,” he said.
He questioned, “What kind of reform can we expect from those who show no respect for the law or court rulings? Reforming personal mindset is more important than superficial institutional reforms.”
Tarique concluded, “By blocking Ishraque from taking oath and assuming power, we are once again witnessing the manifestation of an authoritarian mindset. The core strength of an interim government is its neutrality and credibility. We advise the interim government not to take any steps that would erode public trust.”
He urged, “Do not treat pro-democracy citizens and political parties as adversaries. If any of you wish to govern, step down from government roles, join the people, contest the election, and if you win the people's mandate, return to govern again.”
Other prominent BNP leaders, including Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Salahuddin Ahmed, also spoke at the rally.
The event was presided over by Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna, with Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Rajib Ahsan, Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam, and General Secretary Nasir Uddin co-hosting.
