No reason for polls delay as EC formed

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Thursday that since the Election Commission (EC) has been formed, there is no reason for delay in holding the national elections.

He said that the people of the country expected a clear message from Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus about the election.

Mr Fakhrul made the comments while addressing a press briefing at the party chairperson's political office in the capital's Gulshan area.

"It's possible to hold election after completing all required reforms relating to the polls," he said.

About the party's standing committee meeting held on Wednesday last, he said, "Many think Dr Muhammad Yunus' (Chief Adviser) speech on election is unclear."

He said, "The Chief Adviser in his address to the nation on the Victory Day said that the election might be held either in December 2025 or in the first half of 2026, which is absolutely unclear."

He added, "There is mentioned no specific timeline for holding the election as well."

He also noted that the Chief Adviser's press secretary mentioned June 2026 for election, which is contradictory, saying this will create confusion.

"I repeatedly call upon you (the interim government) for arranging national election after completing all major reforms related to polls. If political consensus is reached and some necessary reforms are done with a flawless voter list then it may be possible to hold the election at the last part of 2025," he said.

"The Chief Adviser declared election roadmap, hinting that election could be held by June 30, 2026. Now it is the responsibility of the Election Commission to fix the specific date and timeline for holding the polls," he mentioned.

Meanwhile, the BNP on Thursday welcomed the High Court verdict that scrapped part of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, saying the court has recognised that an elected parliament is the appropriate forum for constitutional amendments.

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