Plans for Bangladesh’s next national election appeared to take shape during a high-level meeting in London. A tentative agreement pointed to February as the likely month.
That sparked some hope within BNP.
But it didn’t last long.
The party now finds itself in a familiar space: uncertainty. Several BNP leaders say they’re unsure if the vote will actually happen on time. And they’re not alone.
Other parties are also beginning to question both the timeline and the method. Some of the doubts are practical. Others reflect deeper mistrust.
Despite the confusion, election-related activity is already underway. BNP and other parties have moved into campaign mode. The Jatiya Nagorik Party, for example, has launched countrywide marches, rallies, and outreach events.
Still, questions persist.
Election Method Also Under Scrutiny
The debate isn’t just about when the election will happen. It’s also about how.
Should Bangladesh use a direct voting method? Or is a proportional representation system better suited for the next cycle? Parties are taking opposing sides.
Clearer divisions are fueling a deeper sense of strain.
Political analysts are watching closely. Many say the government’s position still seems unclear. They also point to widening divisions among the parties. That’s contributing to what they call rising political instability.
In their view, this instability is deepening the uncertainty about whether the election will proceed as envisioned.
Election Commission Preparing, But Offers No Date
Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin said the next election would likely take place between February and April, but stopped short of giving an exact date.
Even after a recent meeting between the Chief Election Commissioner and the Chief Adviser, no firm timeline was discussed. Nasiruddin confirmed that himself.
That vagueness is making some BNP members uneasy. Several senior leaders are calling the situation unclear and say the lack of certainty is feeding suspicion across their ranks.
Even after the joint London declaration, which seemed to suggest consensus, doubts remain. Particularly at the grassroots level, BNP supporters continue to question the government’s role.
So far, there’s planning. There’s some campaigning. But there’s no fixed date.
And no one seems completely sure where it’s heading.
