BNP to press for polls without stirring chaos

The BNP is planning to ramp up efforts to push for a national election by December but will avoid a direct conflict with the interim government, party sources have said.

Although the BNP remains concerned about recent developments that "destabilised the political landscape", party leaders are treading softly to steer clear of a further escalation.

BNP leaders say they are alarmed by a series of recent events, including the abrupt ban on Awami League's activities, the student unrest at Jagannath University, and a flash procession by Awami League supporters in the capital's Gulistan.

According to them, these back-to-back incidents signal a "deepening crisis" that cannot be resolved without an immediate return to the electoral process.

Against this backdrop, BNP leaders are planning to bring their demand for timely elections to the forefront, believing that guiding the country towards elections will help ease the instability.

On Monday night, the BNP Standing Committee held a meeting to discuss the overall political situation, with a particular focus on the proposed constitutional reforms and the upcoming July Declaration.

Most members expressed concern over what they said was the government's "deliberate attempt to delay the election process".

"We don't want a disgraceful departure for Dr Yunus, which is why we're observing the situation carefully. We want to avoid confrontation, but if we're pushed to the edge, we may be compelled to launch a stronger movement after July," said a Standing Committee member, wishing to remain anonymous.

He added that BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman instructed the Standing Committee members to weigh potential strategies for a broader movement.

However, party leaders acknowledge that a rushed movement carries risks. They fear that if the movement escalates into confrontation, vested quarters may exploit the situation. On the other hand, if they remain silent, they may lose the momentum.

"We could take to the streets right now, but it would likely trigger chaos, and a third force might take advantage of it. But the way the government is proceeding, it appears the government has no intention to hold elections anytime soon," said a second Standing Committee member, also on condition of anonymity.

Recent Standing Committee meetings have explored various movement strategies in detail, although no dates have been finalised.

For now, the party will continue its two-month member collection campaign to strengthen organisational capacity and build grassroots momentum.

In parallel, affiliated and associate organisations are mobilising young members through regional events. Youth rallies and seminars have already taken place in Chattogram and Khulna, with similar events planned for Bogura and Dhaka. A rally in Dhaka is also under consideration, but a date is yet to be fixed.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has repeatedly said that the election would take place between December this year and June next year, but BNP suspects the government is delaying the electoral process in the name of reforms.

BNP leaders say the government has not announced a clear timeline for elections and that "vague and conflicting statements" by the government raise their suspicion.

BNP plans to counter this through political programmes, first by raising their voice and eventually by holding rallies and mass campaigns, to put pressure on the government to announce a specific election date.

But with Eid and monsoon season approaching, BNP leaders say any protest must be carefully planned. "If we launch a movement too early, it may backfire. People are already weary of constant protests. We have to choose the right moment," said a senior BNP leader.

Top party leaders at Monday's meeting discussed ways to mount pressure on the government without sparking instability.

"We will take to the streets if the election is not held in time. No one can stop or silence us," Zainul Abedin Farroque, a member of the BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council, said at the National Press Club on Sunday.

"We are silent for now on Tarique Rahman's instruction. He wants us to focus on strengthening the organisation first."

He warned that once party activists lose patience, even senior leaders may no longer be able to control the situation on the ground.

"Do you [chief adviser] want to create conflict and misunderstanding over the election?" asked BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed at a rally in Khulna on Saturday.

"Do you want the people to march towards Jamuna [chief adviser's residence]?"