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Major political parties in Bangladesh have expressed mixed reactions over the timeline for the next national elections recently announced by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
The BNP on Wednesday welcomed both the July Declaration and the election schedule announced by the interim government.
"The historic July Declaration will end the political deadlock," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a press conference held at the party chairperson's political office in the capital's Gulshan.
He added that despite facing various challenges over the last year, BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman appreciates the chief adviser, the advisory council, and all those involved for taking necessary measures to smoothen the path to democracy.
"Tarique Rahman expects the remaining tasks of state restructuring to be completed soon," Mr Fakhrul added.
"BNP believes the government and the Election Commission will ensure a free, fair, impartial, and widely acceptable election. We urge all political parties and citizens to actively participate in the election to institutionalise democracy and form an effective national parliament," he said.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami voiced disappointment over the announcement [election timeline] being made without prior consultation with political parties.
"We had expected the chief adviser to hold discussions with political parties before declaring the timeline," said Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher.
"By announcing the polls timeline on the same day the July Declaration was presented, the long-standing tradition of holding dialogues with political parties prior to such announcements was disregarded."
Speaking at a press conference at the Al-Falah auditorium in the capital's Moghbazar, Dr Taher, however, noted that in the interest of the nation, Jamaat views the announcement positively.
He said public expectations surrounding the July Declaration were not fully met, creating anxiety and concern regarding the country's future direction.
"The declaration remains incomplete and does not reflect the aspirations of the people," the Jamaat leader added, urging the interim government to immediately complete the July Charter and ensure a credible election process in line with its provisions.
Dr Taher also criticised the current election environment, saying, "Although election preparations are underway, the government has yet to ensure the proper atmosphere required for a credible vote."
The National Citizen Party (NCP) echoed similar sentiments, describing the July Declaration as "incomplete" and urging immediate and visible implementation of promised reforms before any national election is held.
Speaking at a press conference at the party's office in the capital's Bangla Motor, NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen said the declaration failed to acknowledge several significant national events and movements, thereby falling short of presenting a comprehensive historical account.
The NCP leader cited omissions such as the Pilkhana carnage, Shapla Chattar crackdown, judicial killings, the 2018 quota reform movement, road safety protests, anti-Modi demonstrations, and the movement seeking justice for Abrar Fahad's murder.
"These events represent national pride and deserve rightful historical recognition," he said. The NCP called for immediate enforcement of key reforms already agreed upon by political parties.
"Such reforms must be executed during the interim government's tenure. The next election should take place only after the full implementation of the July Charter and Declaration," Mr Akhter said.
However, he clarified that the party does not oppose the mention of a February election by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
"But before holding the polls, the government must fulfil its responsibilities by making the reforms visible and ensuring justice for genocide victims," he added.
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