After months of uncertainty over the timing of Bangladesh’s national election, a clearer window is starting to emerge — but the date is still not fixed.
Obaidul Haque Nasir, a member of BNP’s national executive committee, said the party remains firm in its preference for a December election. At the same time, he acknowledged that a February timeline, though not ideal, could be considered following recent discussions.
“We’ve always believed December is best. The weather is cooler, schools are closed, and people are more available,” Nasir said during a televised interview. “But if the government proposes early February, and if some reforms are in place, it’s not unreasonable either.”
Talks Are Still Underway, No Date Set Yet
While the Election Commission says it’s ready to hold the polls in either February or April, they’re holding off on a final decision. For now, they’re waiting to sit down with political leaders and government officials before locking anything in.
Nasir confirmed that conversations with government representatives are ongoing and described them as “part of democratic process,” not political friction. He pointed to a recent London meeting between BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and government adviser Dr. Mohammad Yunus as a turning point.
“People wanted dialogue, and this meeting reflects that,” he said. “We may not have a day on the calendar yet, but we’ve moved closer to one.”
Ramadan, Exams and Cyclones Shape BNP’s View
Nasir explained why BNP strongly prefers an earlier election date.
According to him, holding elections during Ramadan, which begins in early March, would be logistically and socially difficult.
“Campaigning during fasting? Public rallies, security deployment, people walking in the sun? Not practical,” he said.
He also cited concerns about student exams and seasonal cyclones, which could disrupt turnout.
While BNP had originally insisted on elections no later than December, Nasir admitted the party has some flexibility — depending on how the government responds to reform demands and whether Ramadan is respected in the scheduling.
No Final Response Yet from BNP Leadership
Nasir clarified that BNP’s Standing Committee will ultimately decide whether a February election is acceptable. “The party hasn’t issued a formal position yet,” he said. “We’re still listening and watching.”
Some party insiders remain cautious, fearing a rushed or manipulated timeline. Others see February as a workable compromise if it’s early enough to avoid Ramadan and if voter turnout can be preserved.
Joint Statement Sparks Reaction
The recent London meeting between Yunus and Tarique Rahman drew reactions from other parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party. They questioned whether the government’s adviser showed preference toward BNP.
Nasir dismissed that claim.
“There was no official joint statement. Just two leaders meeting and sharing views. That’s part of democratic culture,” he said.
He added that all political parties have the right to criticize, and BNP welcomes those conversations.
On the Future Role of Awami League
In the same interview, Nasir made strong remarks about the Awami League, saying the party had “lost political relevance” after its recent ban and comparing it to authoritarian regimes elsewhere.
Asked whether the absence of such a major party could hurt the electoral process, Nasir disagreed.
“People still have choices,” he said. “BNP is here, Jamaat is here, NCP is here. The student-led movements are alive. Democracy didn’t end with one party.”
He emphasized that the public, not the politicians, will decide who leads next. “Elections are how the people speak. We’re just trying to ensure they get that chance.”
Should Local Elections Come First?
Some have suggested holding local elections before the national vote to test the Election Commission’s credibility. Nasir pushed back.
“To be honest, local elections are harder,” he said. “The conflicts are more personal. Families, clans, old rivalries — all come into play. You need huge manpower and police presence. That’s not realistic right now.”
He argued that it makes more sense to hold the national election first, under the newly reformed commission.
“This commission hasn’t failed. It hasn’t even had a chance yet. Let’s give them one,” he added.
A Push for Political Reforms
BNP continues to advocate for structural reforms across the board, including in the role of the Election Commission, law enforcement, and administrative neutrality.
“We’ve proposed 31 points for reform,” Nasir said. “If elected, we’ll keep politics out of the institutions. That’s our commitment.”
He said Bangladesh needs a fresh start, after 15 years of what he called “authoritarian erosion” of democracy.
And that fresh start, according to Nasir, can only begin with one thing.
“A national election. Soon. Fair. With full public participation. That’s how we move forward.”
