The BNP on Thursday issued a strong ultimatum to the interim government, demanding the immediate announcement of a clear roadmap for holding the next general election by December 2025. Failure to do so, the party warned, could result in the BNP withdrawing its cooperation.
Speaking at a press conference at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain also called for the removal of certain “controversial advisers” within the interim government, including those allegedly linked to a newly formed political party and the National Security Adviser. He said their continued presence threatens the government’s neutrality and credibility.
“The primary task of this interim government is to ensure a credible election that restores democratic, constitutional, and voting rights lost in recent years,” Mosharraf said. “If the government fails to respond to this demand, BNP will be forced to reconsider its cooperation.”
He said the advisory council must be restructured to reflect impartiality and urged the removal of individuals who have drawn public criticism due to perceived political affiliations. He also cited recent comments by National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman involving BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman as a source of renewed controversy and reason for dismissal.
Mosharraf reiterated that the interim government’s sole mandate is to facilitate a fair election, not to implement broad policy changes. He questioned recent government actions concerning national infrastructure and foreign policy, such as decisions around a humanitarian corridor and Chattogram Port, arguing that such moves lack public legitimacy and should be left to an elected administration.
Commenting on the ongoing reform process and demands for accountability, Mosharraf said electoral reforms and the trial of past abuses can proceed in parallel. However, he criticized attempts by some parties to disrupt this process through street actions, referring specifically to the Nationalist Consensus Party’s (NCP) siege of the Election Commission.
While defending the current Election Commission as legally constituted through a search committee with multi-party input, he rejected calls for its reconstitution. He described recent criticisms and protests targeting the EC as attempts to create confusion and delay elections.
Mosharraf also urged the government to comply with court rulings by facilitating the swearing-in of Ishraque Hossain as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. He accused the government of acting only under pressure, which he said erodes public trust.
Echoing these views, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized the need for the interim government to gradually transition into a “caretaker mode” with a slimmed-down advisory council. “In previous caretaker setups, only 10 advisers were appointed. To uphold neutrality, controversial figures must go,” he said.
BNP leaders Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed also attended the press conference, which focused on the current political climate and the urgency of preparing for elections within the timeline demanded by the public.
LND/BG
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