Dhaka, May 24 (PTI) - The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has called on interim government head Muhammad Yunus to conduct national elections by December 2025 and to restructure his cabinet by removing "controversial advisers".
After meeting Yunus at his official residence, Jamuna, BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain stated that they urged for swift reforms and elections by December. Hossain, who spearheaded the BNP delegation, also requested Yunus to present an election roadmap and insisted on forming an advisory council devoid of "controversial advisers".
Two advisers, Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, were included in the interim advisory council representing Students against Discrimination (SAD), instrumental in the movement against the former Awami League regime led by Prime Minister Hasina. These advisers handle the youth and sports, and information ministries, while former diplomat Khalilur Rahman serves as Yunus's national security adviser.
BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed, part of the delegation, emphasized their prior written demand for the advisers’ removal. He noted the BNP's presentation of views and that they await feedback from Yunus to gauge satisfaction levels.
Hossain articulated that the government is focused on three agendas—reform, trial of the previous regime's leaders, and elections.
The BNP's call for the removal of Alam and Bhuiyan stems from its conflict with the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), consisting of SAD leaders with Yunus's backing.
Yunus also engaged with leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP. Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman proposed two election timeframes: mid-February 2026 if reforms finish swiftly, or post-Ramadan for extended reforms. Jamaat urged for distinct reform and election roadmaps.
Conversely, NCP reiterated its push for local government polls before national elections—a stance opposed by BNP, the most significant party post-Awami League's ouster and disbandment.
Yunus's office asserted confidence from the three political entities backing a free, fair, and peaceful election under his stewardship. His press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, affirmed that elections would happen between December and June the following year, a timeframe backed by Jamaat and NCP.
The advisory council underscored Yunus’s retention as interim leader, with Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud asserting his stay amidst national unrest.
The advisory council addressed "three primary responsibilities"—elections, reforms, and justice, in their discussions. It criticized unreasonable demands and provocations disrupting regular operations and fostering public confusion and suspicion. Despite hurdles, the interim government remains committed to prioritizing national over group interests. Still, it warned of presenting reasons to the public if its duties became untenable due to adversarial forces or foreign conspiracies.
Yunus contemplated resignation, citing an uncooperative political environment. Yet, NCP's Nahid Islam urged him to persist for the country’s stability and anticipated cooperation.
Analysts deemed Yunus’s resignation talk a test of public and political backing.
The interim period sees dissension between the military and government over election timing and a contentious Bangladeshi security policy regarding a humanitarian aid corridor to Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, alongside navy and air force leaders, met Yunus, advocating for year-end elections and expressing reservations about the corridor plan.
Zaman, addressing senior officers, highlighted his unfamiliarity with strategic decisions impacting military roles. A firm military stance emerged against prevalent "mob justice". Consequently, military patrols in Dhaka intensified to uphold law and order.
Many analysts perceived these meetings as vital for military consolidation.
During last year's protests, the military allowed Hasina’s secure exit to India rather than crack down and supported Yunus as chief adviser, conforming to SAD's demands, later forming NCP.
Yunus’s administration dissolved Hasina's Awami League, imprisoning key leaders for diverse charges, including crimes against humanity.
Bangladesh, with 170 million citizens, faces ongoing political unrest following the previous regime’s overthrow, escalating with rival parties and unions staging capital protests with varied demands.