BNP criticises interim government for failing to announce election date
- In Reports
- 10:49 AM, Oct 21, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has criticised the country's interim government for not providing a clear date for the upcoming national election. Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, expressed concerns that the absence of a fixed election timeline is pushing the country towards political stagnation, according to a report by the Dhaka Tribune.
Speaking at a rally in Bera upazila of Pabna, Rizvi condemned the government's ambiguous stance on election reforms. "You are talking about reforms under the interim government, but each of you provides a different statement on when elections will be held. You are not giving a definitive date for when your reforms will be complete," Rizvi said. He urged the government to swiftly complete the necessary reforms and arrange elections, noting that failure to do so would raise public skepticism. "People will have questions about you," he warned.
Adding to the political uncertainty, Dr. Asif Nazrul, an adviser to the interim government, indicated that the next general election could take place in 2025. During a press conference on Saturday, Nazrul explained that a number of steps need to be completed before an election can be held. These include the formation of a search committee, the establishment of an election commission, and the preparation of an updated voter list. "Elections may be possible within the next year, but there are many factors involved," he said, cautioning that this was his "initial guess."
Bangladesh has been grappling with significant political unrest following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. Her departure came amid mass protests, primarily led by students, calling for an end to the controversial government job quota system. These protests quickly evolved into a broader anti-government movement, resulting in the deaths of over 600 people and widespread violence.
In the aftermath of Hasina's resignation, Nobel laureate and economist Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of the interim government on August 8. The new administration has expanded the powers of the military in an effort to stabilise the country. Despite these measures, tensions remain high, with reports of violence, particularly targeting minority communities, including Hindus.
As Bangladesh continues to navigate this volatile political landscape, the lack of a definitive election date remains a central concern for opposition parties and the public alike.
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