The BNP has expressed flexibility regarding the timing of the upcoming national election, saying it would accept polls in January or February if the government declares a specific roadmap, easing concerns about attempts to derail the 13th parliamentary election.
In a closed-door meeting with the Democracy Platform alliance on Tuesday night, senior BNP leaders indicated they would not oppose an election date beyond December—provided the government officially announces a clear schedule for the polls. The meeting was held from 7:30 PM to 9:15 PM at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.
BNP insiders believe that setting a specific election date will eliminate existing doubts about the election’s occurrence, allowing political parties to prepare formally. The discussion with the six-party Democracy Platform was part of BNP’s ongoing dialogue series, which began on April 19, aiming to build consensus among opposition allies and non-aligned groups.
Sources revealed that the Democracy Platform submitted several recommendations regarding the BNP’s strategy and upcoming activities. While the BNP agreed with some proposals, it rejected others. Key issues included balancing the party’s focus between the demand for elections and structural reforms. Democracy Platform leaders criticized the BNP for projecting its election demand more vigorously than its reform agenda, which, they said, could send mixed messages to the public.
The platform urged BNP to be equally vocal about reform plans, suggesting that a dual-roadmap—one for elections and one for governance reforms—would strengthen public confidence. The BNP reportedly agreed in principle.
Concerns were also raised about inconsistent statements from BNP leaders, which are reportedly creating confusion among the public. Democracy Platform leaders advised the party to ensure that only official spokespersons issue strategic communications.
Additionally, allegations of extortion and land grabbing involving BNP’s grassroots leaders surfaced during the meeting. BNP leaders dismissed the concerns, claiming media exaggeration, but the platform insisted the party take the matter seriously.
The status of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), formed by former student activists, was also briefly discussed. BNP leaders noted the NCP had lost momentum and was under observation but no longer played a significant role.
Representing BNP at the meeting were Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu. From the Democracy Platform, participants included Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Saiful Haque, Zonayed Saki, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, and others.
Speaking after the meeting, Saiful Haque of the Revolutionary Workers Party stated that intensified reform efforts could be completed within two to three months if pursued earnestly. He added that if the judiciary and administrative preparations are expedited, elections before December remain a realistic possibility—should the government act in good faith.
LND/BG
