Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) does not want to engage in direct conflict with the government over the upcoming national election issue, but growing concerns have emerged within the party due to the government's delay in announcing a clear election roadmap.

Following the emerging concerns, BNP has planned to move forward with strategies aimed at ensuring elections under an interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus by December this year. 

As part of the plan, BNP will continue to create visible pressure on the government through soft programmes.

To build wider consensus, BNP also aims to coordinate with its political allies and hold a joint dialogue on election-related issues. 

As part of this initiative, the party plans to organise a seminar or convention in Dhaka after Eid-ul-Azha involving all parties.

These issues were discussed in detail at the party’s Standing Committee meeting held on Tuesday (June 4) night at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. 

The meeting was presided over virtually by BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from London.

During the meeting, Salahuddin Ahmed presented the summary of recent discussions between Dr Muhammad Yunus, head of the National Consensus Commission and the proposed Chief Adviser of the interim government, and BNP along with other political parties.

Standing Committee members expressed concern that the discussions held so far with the government did not meet their expectations, as no specific roadmap for the election was provided by the authorities.

According to party sources, BNP leaders in the meeting said they still want elections to be held under the current government. 

Therefore, the party will avoid any direct confrontation for now but will keep pressing the government until a clear roadmap is announced.

MSK/