The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is ramping up political pressure on the interim government to hold national elections by December, staging mass rallies and mobilizing grassroots support across the country.
Since the ban on activities of the immediate-past ruling Awami League, BNP has emerged as the single largest active political party in Bangladesh.
Its recent actions — both in Dhaka and across the regions — signal a renewed push to influence the political timeline while energizing its organizational base.
At a large public rally in the southern city of Khulna on Saturday, BNP leaders warned of a mass march towards Jamuna, the official residence of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, unless a clear election roadmap is announced soon.
The interim government has said that polls will be held between December and June next year. However, BNP leaders have technically rejected this timeline as vague and indefinite.
The administration, led by Yunus who assumed office following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government amid an uprising in August last year, maintains that reforms must be completed before credible elections can be conducted.
While organizing showdowns at key locations, senior BNP figures have repeatedly called on the Yunus-led government to avoid public backlash by ensuring timely elections.
“The only way to restore democracy is to hold a free, fair and credible election as soon as possible. We fought against Pakistan for the sake of democracy,” said BNP Standing Committee member Moyeen Khan.
In contrast, some newly formed political platforms, notably the National Citizen Party, have called for comprehensive reforms before elections.
Jamaat-e-Islami, which had previously taken a hard stance on delaying polls until reforms were complete, has slightly softened its position, now proposing an election window between February and April.
Amid this political deadlock, BNP which has been out of power since 2006, is intensifying its street presence. A major rally in Chattogram on May 10 coincided with the formal suspension of Awami League activities.
At the Khulna rally, BNP leaders sharply criticized the interim government over several decisions, including the proposed humanitarian corridor for Rohingya refugees and the reported handover of Chattogram Port operations.
“Our demand is simple, the national election must be held in December following essential electoral reforms,” said BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed at the Khulna gathering.
“This interim government was formed due to a people’s movement, but don’t assume we want you in power indefinitely,” he warned. “Do you want conflict to erupt and the people to march on Jamuna?”
Tensions are also rising on campuses. Following the killing of Chhatra Dal leader Shahriar Alam Shammo, the BNP’s student wing has staged protests, including a two-hour blockade at Shahbagh Intersection, demanding the arrest of the perpetrators.
In parallel, supporters of Ishraque Hossain, mayor designated of Dhaka South City Corporation, have intensified their demonstrations demanding his installation in office.
On Saturday, protestors declared Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuyain and his secretary Rezaul Maksud Zahedi “persona non grata” at Nagar Bhaban. They vowed to resist their entry.
Protests continued through Sunday, with demonstrators locking down Nagar Bhaban for a second consecutive day. All administrative and public services of DSCC remain suspended as the standoff deepens.