Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed disappointment over Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus's statement that elections will be held between December and June.
He stated, "We are not at all satisfied with the Chief Adviser's statement," as no specific deadline was given for holding the national election.
"We have clearly said that December is the cut-off time. If elections are not held by December, the political, economic, and social situation in the country will deteriorate further. It will be very difficult to control," he added.
A seven-member BNP delegation, led by Mirza Fakhrul, met with the interim government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna on Wednesday. Fakhrul made these remarks in response to reporters' questions after the meeting.
He explained that the delegation had conveyed their concerns to the Chief Adviser, focusing on the specific roadmap for the elections, which has been a topic of discussion for some time.
"We told him that, given the current political situation and the state of the country, we believe that a prompt and acceptable election is the only way to resolve the crisis. At the same time, we are fully cooperating with the ongoing reform commissions initiated by the government. A few days ago, we submitted our opinions on those reforms, and tomorrow, we are likely to have a meeting regarding them."
The BNP Secretary General further stated, "We have clearly said that we are ready to draft a charter on the issues agreed upon by all parties. Based on that, we can proceed with the elections. We will agree on the remaining reforms, and our elected political parties will take steps to implement them. That was our main point."
Responding to a question, he added, "The Chief Adviser did not provide a specific timeline. He reiterated his intention to complete the elections between December and June."
Regarding the election deadline, Mirza Fakhrul said, "It has been stated that elections will be held in December. The Chief Adviser did not say they would not be held in December, but he extended the timeline to June. We have clearly said that our cut-off time is December."
On February 10, a BNP delegation met with the Chief Adviser at Jamuna. Mirza Fakhrul stated that on that day they had received assurances that 'all activities are underway' to organise elections by December.
When asked why the timeline now extends to June, the BNP Secretary General said, "I cannot say that. They can say it."
Asked about their position, he replied, "We will come before you again after discussing with the party and other allies."
The BNP delegation also included Standing Committee members Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Salahuddin Ahmed.
Meanwhile, the Chief Adviser was accompanied by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul, and Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan.
