Saturday, 22 February, 2025
As political tensions rise once again, the BNP has adopted a more cautious stance, reversing its earlier support for the interim government and the student leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Movement amid suspicions of a plot to delay the national election.
Some senior BNP leaders said that while the government has assured them the election will be held by December, growing influence from student groups, Jamaat-e-Islami, and a faction within the government has made them skeptical about the commitment.
However, they emphasized that BNP leaders and activists will exercise maximum restraint to avoid clashes unless they are directly provoked.
Given the historically strained relationship between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, the party is now reassessing its political strategy, treating Jamaat as a potential rival in the upcoming election.
BNP leaders are also closely watching the formation of a new political party by the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
“If the students form a party and step away from their government roles, we will welcome them. But if they attempt to use state power to build their party, we will not accept it. That would put our relations with both the government and the students under strain,” said a BNP standing committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity.
He accused a faction within the government—aligned with students and Jamaat—of trying to prolong its grip on power under the pretext of reforms and local elections.
According to the BNP leader, student groups want to delay the election to strengthen their political organization, while Jamaat supports this delay, believing that BNP’s popularity will decline over time, giving Jamaat an electoral advantage.
“In this situation, we are taking a very cautious approach towards both the government and the students. We may try to bring the students out of Jamaat’s influence and consider including them in our electoral alliance. But if they remain aligned with Jamaat, it will be problematic for us,” he added.
Another BNP standing committee member said the party has begun district-level rallies from February 12 to pressure the government into announcing the election date.
“These rallies will also help create an electoral atmosphere in the country.”
He said BNP will hold an extended meeting on February 27 to energize party members and strategize on maintaining pressure on the government for a December election.
During Ramadan, the party will focus on mass outreach and iftar-centered political engagements in constituencies. Plans for post-Eid street programs are also underway.
“Our standing committee still trusts the Chief Adviser’s commitment to holding the election by December. However, we are observing negative signals from certain quarters, making us skeptical about whether the government will stick to its decision. That’s why we will intensify pressure for a clear election roadmap,” he said.
BNP leaders stressed that they aim to avoid violence ahead of the national election, fearing that clashes could allow a third party to exploit the situation.
“We want a timely election while preserving the dignity of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. So, we will continue pressuring the government, but not in a way that disrespects him,” the BNP leader added.
Contacted for comments, BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said the party has been cooperating with the government in the hope of securing a free and fair election.
“Before our patience runs out, we hope the interim government will take concrete steps toward the election. The people must decide who holds power,” he said.
He also warned the government not to create conditions that could force people into street protests or violent confrontations.
“We brought this government in with respect, and we want to see it off with respect. It must fulfil its duty of organizing the election,” he said.
BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku urged the government to announce the election roadmap immediately.
“If they are sincere about their commitment, they should not delay. The people have entrusted them with the responsibility of restoring democracy through a credible election. It’s time to act, not engage in political manoeuvring,” he said.
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As political tensions rise once again, the BNP has adopted a more cautious stance, reversing its earlier support for the interim government and the student leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Movement amid suspicions of a plot to delay the national election.
Some senior BNP leaders said that while the government has assured them the election will be held by December, growing influence from student groups, Jamaat-e-Islami, and a faction within the government has made them skeptical about the commitment.
However, they emphasized that BNP leaders and activists will exercise maximum restraint to avoid clashes unless they are directly provoked.
Given the historically strained relationship between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, the party is now reassessing its political strategy, treating Jamaat as a potential rival in the upcoming election.
BNP leaders are also closely watching the formation of a new political party by the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
“If the students form a party and step away from their government roles, we will welcome them. But if they attempt to use state power to build their party, we will not accept it. That would put our relations with both the government and the students under strain,” said a BNP standing committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity.
He accused a faction within the government—aligned with students and Jamaat—of trying to prolong its grip on power under the pretext of reforms and local elections.
According to the BNP leader, student groups want to delay the election to strengthen their political organization, while Jamaat supports this delay, believing that BNP’s popularity will decline over time, giving Jamaat an electoral advantage.
“In this situation, we are taking a very cautious approach towards both the government and the students. We may try to bring the students out of Jamaat’s influence and consider including them in our electoral alliance. But if they remain aligned with Jamaat, it will be problematic for us,” he added.
Another BNP standing committee member said the party has begun district-level rallies from February 12 to pressure the government into announcing the election date.
“These rallies will also help create an electoral atmosphere in the country.”
He said BNP will hold an extended meeting on February 27 to energize party members and strategize on maintaining pressure on the government for a December election.
During Ramadan, the party will focus on mass outreach and iftar-centered political engagements in constituencies. Plans for post-Eid street programs are also underway.
“Our standing committee still trusts the Chief Adviser’s commitment to holding the election by December. However, we are observing negative signals from certain quarters, making us skeptical about whether the government will stick to its decision. That’s why we will intensify pressure for a clear election roadmap,” he said.
BNP leaders stressed that they aim to avoid violence ahead of the national election, fearing that clashes could allow a third party to exploit the situation.
“We want a timely election while preserving the dignity of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. So, we will continue pressuring the government, but not in a way that disrespects him,” the BNP leader added.
Contacted for comments, BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said the party has been cooperating with the government in the hope of securing a free and fair election.
“Before our patience runs out, we hope the interim government will take concrete steps toward the election. The people must decide who holds power,” he said.
He also warned the government not to create conditions that could force people into street protests or violent confrontations.
“We brought this government in with respect, and we want to see it off with respect. It must fulfil its duty of organizing the election,” he said.
BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku urged the government to announce the election roadmap immediately.
“If they are sincere about their commitment, they should not delay. The people have entrusted them with the responsibility of restoring democracy through a credible election. It’s time to act, not engage in political manoeuvring,” he said.
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