Published : 16 Dec 2024, 03:45 PM Updated : 16 Dec 2024, 03:45 PM
BNP leader Mirza Abbas has praised Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus's recent remarks regarding the next general election while reiterating the party’s call for the vote to be held as soon as possible. Abbas emphasized the need for a clear and detailed "roadmap" for the election.
Speaking to the media on Monday, the BNP Standing Committee member stated: “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 speech, Yunus outlined a potential timeline for the next general election. He said, “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, it may be possible to complete a few reforms, prepare an accurate voter list, and hold elections by the end of 2025.” Yunus added, “If we incorporate the recommendations of the Electoral Reforms Commission and the anticipated reforms through political consensus, it may take at least another six months. Broadly speaking, the election could be scheduled between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026.”
When asked about Yunus's comments at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar mausoleum of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Abbas said, “I didn’t hear the chief advisor’s speech myself... I just learned 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.”
Abbas stressed that reforms are an ongoing and adaptive process. “Reforms evolve with the demands of the time and circumstances. They’re not a one-time package that can be implemented overnight,” he said.
He further emphasized, “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.”
Abbas concluded: “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 struggling 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.”
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