Tarique to govt: Announce December election date

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has renewed his call for the interim government to announce a specific date for the general election taking place within December, asserting that the outcome would not signal “a win or defeat” for the administration.

Speaking at a discussion marking the death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, he said: “I again call upon the interim government to reflect the people’s expectations. Announce a specific date for the general election by December without delay.

“This is not about the interim government’s victory or defeat. Rather, gift the people a fair election and let democracy prevail.”

Following the fall of the Awami League government, the BNP and its allied parties have been pressing for an election by December as the Muhammad Yunus government initiates state reforms.

The caretaker administration, however, has proposed a timeline stretching from December to June.

The situation turned volatile after remarks made by the Army chief during an address to officers drew widespread attention.

The following day, the BNP warned of withdrawing top-down support for the government, sparking political turbulence.

Rumours also spread about the chief advisor “contemplating resignation”.

Amid this uncertainty, Yunus held meetings with political parties on Saturday and Sunday.

While parties expressed support for him, they remained firm on their demands.

The BNP leaders have been reiterating their demand for elections by December almost daily.

‘ECONOMY HAS STALLED’

Tarique argued that although most political parties now agree on key national issues, ongoing uncertainty has gripped both the state and the political system. “Due to this uncertainty, the country’s economic activities have virtually stalled.

“Due to the absence of an elected government within the mandated time, expected investment is not coming into the country,” he added. “Business bodies are saying hundreds of factories have already shut down for several reasons.

“Instability is spreading across different sectors,” he added.

Tarique also criticised the Yunus government’s delay in announcing the election date, despite being in power for 10 months.

“This special situation produced an interim government after a mass uprising, yet the government seems unable to grasp the people’s expectations,” he said.

He pointed out that the delay in reforms has drawn criticism. “It’s not just political parties--many organisations have expressed their objections in the media.

“We demanded elections be held by December, and with broad consensus across parties, it’s possible to hold them even earlier,” he said.