BNP leader Mirza Abbas has welcomed Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus's statement on the next general election but reiterated the party's demand for holding the vote as soon as possible. He also called for a clear "roadmap" for the election.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the BNP Standing Committee member said, "We hope this government will restore the people's right to vote as soon as possible. That is our only expectation."
In his Victory Day address to the nation, Yunus provided an outline of the possible timeframe for the next general election.
"I have repeatedly appealed to you to complete all major reforms before we hold the elections. However, if, and I repeat - if - there is a political consensus on the matter, it may be possible to complete a few reforms, prepare an accurate voter list and hold elections by the end of 2025," he said.
"If we take on board the recommendations of the Electoral Reforms Commission and the expected level of reforms in the electoral process through the political consensus, it may take at least another six months. Broadly speaking, the election can be scheduled between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026."
Asked about the interim leader's comments at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar mausoleum of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Abbas said, "I didn't hear the chief adviser's speech myself... I just learnt about it from you. What he said is logical. If the stakeholders participating in the election want it, he will conduct the election within a reasonable timeframe. I appreciate that. But there's nothing more to say beyond that."
"Reforms are an ongoing process. It's not a one-time package that can be implemented overnight. Reforms evolve with the demands of the time and circumstances."
Abbas continued, "The people of this country want their right to vote. We have seen that discussions about elections or voting make many people uneasy. Let me state clearly: our leader Tarique Rahman has also made it clear that we need to know how long we must wait.
"We are willing to wait. Reforms will happen, and we will wait. But this cannot continue indefinitely. The economy is in dire straits, and people are suffocating under the rising cost of living. People are searching for ways to survive. While they may still have a voice, the struggle to meet basic needs persists. Until an elected government takes charge, these issues will remain unresolved. We demand that this government announce a clear roadmap for the election." —bdnews24.com
