Reactions have been pouring in across Bangladesh following reports that the country’s next national election could take place in February, before the start of Ramadan. The timeline was indicated after a meeting in London between Dr. Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
Most political parties have welcomed the clarity on timing. At the same time, several leaders insist that decisions about elections must be made in Bangladesh, with active participation from the public.
Calls for decisions to be made inside the country
The National Coordination Party (NCP), which has played a key role in past political movements, voiced clear opposition to the idea of election frameworks being decided abroad.
“This is a decision that must be taken on Bangladesh’s soil,” said NCP chief coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari. “We do not want election decisions to come from meetings in London hotels. The government should make decisions that reflect the demands of the people here in Bangladesh.”
Mixed views on the proposed timeline
Leaders from other parties expressed varying degrees of support for the February timeline.
Majibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the AB Party, said, “The idea of moving the election slightly forward to February was agreed upon, but I still have some hesitation about this. We need to see how prepared Professor Yunus’s side will be. If BNP and other parties cooperate effectively, then having the election before Ramadan would be good.”
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Allies of BNP see positive developments
Parties aligned with BNP were more enthusiastic about the outcome of the London talks.
Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, remarked, “The body language of both sides showed clear progress. It seems the major points of disagreement between the interim government’s leadership and BNP are now much closer to being resolved.”
Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon, also welcomed the developments.
“A positive opportunity has been created,” Saki said. “For us, an environment of trust is critical, and progress like this helps build it.”
Religious parties offer support
Religious political groups also reacted positively.
Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, joint secretary general of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, said, “Now there should be no uncertainty about the upcoming national election. We hope all parties will respect the consensus that has been reached.”
Hefazat-e-Islam’s joint secretary general, Mufti Azizul Haque Islamabadi, added, “Today’s developments are a positive outcome for the country’s political future.”
Moving forward with reform and consensus
As discussions continue, political leaders are urging that reforms and election preparations move forward through a process of domestic consensus.
“Work on both reforms and the election must proceed through agreement among the parties,” one leader commented after the talks.
With the potential election timeline now clearer, attention will turn to whether the necessary political cooperation can be built at home in the months ahead.
