BNP calls for reforms within 30-day, nat’l election by Dec

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reiterated its demand for urgent electoral reforms to be completed within 30 days and for the next national election to be held no later than December this year.

Following a meeting with the National Consensus Commission on Monday (June 2), BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed briefed the media, stating that “all political parties participating in today’s discussion expressed support for holding elections by December.”

Salahuddin argued that there is no valid reason to delay the election beyond December. “There are no reform proposals—except those requiring constitutional amendment—that cannot be implemented within a month,” he said. He emphasized that urgent, election-related reforms could be identified and implemented by executive order.

“If the necessary reforms are executed promptly through consensus, there is no obstacle to holding the national election by December,” he added.

He noted that even reforms not requiring changes to the constitution—on which there is already broad political consensus—can be finalized within 30 days if the political will exists.

Referring to the ongoing dialogue process, Salahuddin stated, “We have been able to make this position clear today, and most political parties supported the proposal for a December election. The Chief Adviser will now consider this collective stance.”

He expressed hope that Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus would act impartially and uphold his role as a symbol of national unity.

Addressing the broader reform process, Salahuddin acknowledged that complete unanimity among all parties may not be achievable. “That is the beauty of democracy,” he said. “In some areas we may fully agree, and in others, we may come close. Through continued dialogue, national consensus will emerge.”

The BNP’s position reinforces growing political momentum toward finalizing an election roadmap and underscores pressure on the interim administration to expedite essential reforms ahead of a year-end vote.