The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has issued a stern warning that missing the February deadline for national elections could lead to serious national and regional security consequences. The caution came during a session of the National Consensus Commission, where BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed pressed for certainty in the election timeline.
Speaking at the Foreign Service Academy, Dhaka in the presence of Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Salahuddin emphasized that while constitutional reforms and justice processes are important, they must not become preconditions that delay or derail the February polls. He urged the Chief Adviser to consult legal experts and the judiciary on the contested reform proposals-particularly those among the 19 constitutional changes debated-and to move forward on those reforms that are feasible without jeopardizing the election schedule. According to Salahuddin, many proposals have already been discussed, and substantial agreement has been reached on a majority of them.
The interim government maintains its commitment to holding a festive and credible election in February. Chief Adviser Yunus reiterated that all political parties must come together in consensus to lay the groundwork for elections and avoid delays that could harm democratic credibility.
Critics warn that failure to adhere to the timeline could result in political unrest, eroded public trust in institutions, and potential destabilization that might attract external attention to Bangladesh’s internal affairs. Some analysts argue that a credible and timely election is essential to restoring democratic legitimacy and preventing power vacuums that tend to exacerbate conflicts.
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