BNP leader Salahuddin questions chief adviser’s motive behind vague election timelines

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday questioned whose agenda Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is serving by repeatedly citing vague election timeframes—such as December or June—instead of providing a specific and concrete roadmap.

“Why can't you settle down on one timeline? You are a world-famous and respected person. Such shifting won’t be well received nationally and internationally,” he said while addressing the National Representative Council 2025 of the Bhasani Anushari Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club auditorium.

Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the Chief Adviser, during his last meeting with BNP, promised that his government’s activities would be carried out with the aim of holding the national election by December this year.

He said their party also spoke to the Election Commission, which informed them it would be ready by June this year to conduct the election.

The BNP leader urged the government to take prompt steps to establish a democratic government elected by the people’s vote.

“Several thousand people were martyred for the restoration of the right to vote, democratic rights, and constitutional rights, ultimately achieving the return of elections. Fascism also collapsed through mass uprisings. Now, by denying that very election, whom are you trying to encourage, and which unconstitutional force is benefiting from it?” he said.

He recalled Bhasani’s contributions to the country and to establishing the rights of working people.

The BNP leader bemoaned that though Moulana Bhasani was one of the founders and key leaders of the Awami League, the party did not recognise his role and contributions.

He welcomed the Bhasani Janashakti Party, a new political group formed by the Bhasani Anushari Parishad, which aims to build a fair and prosperous Bangladesh.

“Another new force has joined the journey of democracy in Bangladesh. We hope they will play a positive role in favour of the country's democracy and the people,” Salahuddin said.