Bangladesh’s NCP Demands Election Roadmap Amid Growing Political Unrest
Dhaka : Amid rising political tensions in Bangladesh, the newly-formed National Citizen Party (NCP) has urged the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to announce a clear roadmap for upcoming national elections. The demand was made during a press conference in Dhaka on Saturday, where NCP Convenor Nahid Islam emphasized the need for immediate reforms and justice.
“A clear roadmap on justice, reforms, and elections is essential,” Nahid said. “That way, the uncertainties and confusion in the minds of the people and political parties will be dispelled.” He also called for the immediate release of a July manifesto and the prosecution of those responsible for the July mass killings, which remain a significant concern for the public.
Nahid reminded reporters that the Chief Advisor had promised fundamental reforms and justice before conducting elections. However, Yunus had reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with movements such as the one at Jamuna and stated that he would rather step down than oversee an uncontrolled electoral process.
The NCP also addressed growing controversy over the presence of student advisors in the interim government. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been demanding the resignation of two advisors, Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan. In response, the NCP distanced itself from them, asserting its commitment to maintaining neutrality.
“There is no connection between the NCP and the two student advisors,” Nahid clarified. “We strongly condemn the propaganda that attempts to equate the advisors with our party.”
As the political climate intensifies, key opposition parties are engaging in talks with the interim government. Leaders of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are scheduled to meet with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus at his official residence, Jamuna, on Saturday evening. These meetings are reportedly part of broader efforts to reduce political friction and restore dialogue among stakeholders.
A senior BNP standing committee member confirmed the party’s intention to push for an election roadmap by the end of 2025. “We have been invited by the Chief Advisor’s office to discuss the latest political developments,” the leader told local media. “We will request Yunus to announce a roadmap and expedite the reform process.”
BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed also clarified the party’s position during a televised interview, stating that they were not demanding Yunus’s resignation. “We only sought the resignation of a few controversial advisors,” he said. “If the Chief Advisor decides to resign instead of providing a roadmap, that is his personal choice. But we did not demand his resignation.”
The BNP has repeatedly expressed its frustration with the interim government’s delay in organizing elections. During a protest rally on Friday, party leaders accused Yunus’s administration of fueling political instability by not committing to a timeline for national polls.
Reports from a recent meeting of the Advisory Council suggest that Yunus himself is growing frustrated with the deteriorating political situation. According to local sources, he admitted feeling ineffective in his role and expressed a desire to step down.
Since assuming office last August, the Yunus-led interim government has struggled to contain rising protests, political polarization, and a spike in violence. Major political parties, particularly the BNP, have warned of continued street demonstrations if a credible election plan is not soon presented.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman stated that the next general elections should be held by December. He added that an elected government must be in place by January 1, 2026. Once elections are concluded, he said, the army will withdraw to its barracks.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are on the Yunus-led administration to deliver on its promise of fair elections and meaningful reforms—before the window for peaceful transition narrows further.
IndiGo Flight Issues ‘Fuel Mayday,’ Makes Emergency Landing in Bengaluru
Just days after Air India crash, IndiGo flight with 168 passengers diverts to Bengaluru du…