BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said Bangladesh’s next national election will likely take place in February, with all parties expected to join. He added that the election schedule would be announced in December.
Speaking as chief guest at a rally in Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar, on Saturday afternoon, Salahuddin told supporters that the vote would not be held under a proportional representation system, a demand raised by some groups. He described the country as already being in “election season.”
The BNP’s biennial council at Chakaria College turned into a huge rally, with a crowd local media pegged at over 50,000. People poured in from across the region in colorful processions, giving the event an early election buzz.
Salahuddin used his speech to sharply criticize the ruling Awami League. He claimed the party lacked democratic values and argued that its downfall through movements “stained with blood” proved it was never a genuine political organization. He said its activities had effectively been suspended under the Anti-Terrorism Act, calling it a fascist party.
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He also made it clear: reforms are coming at every level, with Tarique Rahman in the lead despite being in exile for a decade. He argued this is the only path to a healthier political culture in the country.
Turning to party members, Salahuddin told them to campaign for the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol, stressing that the world is watching. “This election will set a precedent,” he said, “reflecting the people’s hope for reform.”
Reflecting on the past political climate, he told the crowd that for nearly two decades politics had been stifled. “For the past 17 years, there has been no genuine political environment in the country,” he said. “Politics was imprisoned in jail, in London, and in Shillong. There had been no opportunity to practice politics in such an environment.”
This comes as parties across the country are gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
