Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman yesterday said the national election can be held only after basic reforms, the trial for crimes against humanity committed in July, and the establishment of a proper election system.
BNP leaders believe that the government is trying to cater to the interests of multiple political groups, which may explain the conflicting statements.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in an interview with BBC published yesterday said the election would be held between December 2025 and March next year, depending on how quickly the government could institute reforms necessary for free and fair elections.
The government has assured the BNP of working to hold the national election by December this year, the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said yesterday.
He added that his party would in no way accept any local government elections before the national election
The BNP is set to take to the streets demanding general elections by the end of this year and protesting the rising prices of essentials, said several standing committee members of the party.
The BNP yesterday demanded that the interim government arrange the next national election by August this year in the country’s best interest.
The BNP wants the national election by the middle of this year and local government polls afterwards.
There is a public perception that the interim government is intentionally delaying the election process, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
The Awami League envisions a “Smart Bangladesh” by 2041, seeking to build a country that would be cost-effective, sustainable, innovative and knowledge-based.
Awami League's decision to not compete for two of the recently vacated seats, rather letting its allies vie for them, is aimed at strengthening its relations with partners ahead of the 12th national election, slated for January 2024.
Political activities of the ruling Awami League in 2022 began slowly, after a quiet pandemic, and gathered significant momentum towards the end of the year.
The Awami League's 22nd national council is underway after Prime Minister and the party President Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the event this morning.
Leaders and activists of the Awami League and its front organisations started thronging the Polo Ground in Chattogram since early morning to attend a party rally today.
Law enforcers have taken all-out measures, including keeping Dhaka city BNP leaders and activists under close watch, to preempt “potential subversive activities” centering on the BNP’s Dhaka rally on December 10.
The Election Commission and the government have picked up similar tones against statements by foreign diplomats on Bangladesh’s domestic issues, such as elections.
The US has urged Bangladesh government to create a safe environment for people to peacefully assemble and voice their concerns, and relatedly, for opposition parties to campaign without facing intimidation and repression.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (November 6, 2022) said the government will not take on any new mega project before the next national election.
Complications have arisen over the BNP's seeking permission for its November-5 rally venue in Barishal city, as the party did not use the venue’s official name.
