BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that national elections could be held before December this year.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after attending a seminar titled “Capital Market in Bangladesh: Philosophy and Practice” organised by DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBAB) in Nikunja, Dhaka on Saturday.
Amir Khosru said, “For the past 16 years, Bangladeshis have been waiting for a fair election. The only path back to democracy is through elections. This election could happen even before December, and we believe there’s no need to delay further.”
He added, “We don’t see any political crisis in the country. The core issue is how quickly we can return to democracy and form a people’s government. This should be the focus of discussion, not some imaginary crisis.”
The BNP leader emphasised, “A government and parliament formed through fair elections will be accountable to the people. This has been the central demand of citizens for 16 years. Therefore, the sole agenda for discussion should be this election and a democratic roadmap.”
His comments reaffirm BNP’s position favouring early elections amid current political tensions.
The remarks come after NCP chief Nahid Islam told BBC Bangla on Thursday night, following his meeting with Muhammad Yunus at Jamuna State Guest House that Yunus feels “unable to work” amid growing political deadlock and “if political parties cannot reach a consensus.”
Nahid claimed Yunus is deeply frustrated and feels “held hostage” by political forces, asking, “If he is unable to gain the trust of political parties, what’s the point in staying?”
He reportedly urged him not to resign for the sake of national stability.
Amid government deliberations on a clear election roadmap, Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud told journalists after Saturday’s advisory council meeting at the NEC that Yunus will continue to serve as chief adviser and “has not mentioned resigning anywhere.”
Later Saturday evening, the chief adviser is scheduled to hold talks with BNP and Jamaat leaders regarding the current situation.