Holding election within this year is of crucial importance, BNP tells EU

It is of utmost importance that the interim government holds the general election within this year after completing necessary reforms, the BNP has told the European Union's Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller today (12 January).

The meeting took place as EU ambassador today called on BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to discuss a range of issues relating to Bangladesh's next national election. BNP Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obed were also present at the meeting.

Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting at BNP Chairperson's Office in Gulshan, Khasru called on the interim government to primarily focus on handing over power to an elected government for the sake of democracy.

Several major current issues, including the next election, and reforms and BNP's stance on the matters, were discussed at the meeting, Khasru briefed journalists at the meeting.

"One of the issues discussed is the election– when will the election take place and what are our thoughts on this," said the BNP leader.

The issues important in the current context of Bangladesh were discussed, particularly the election—when it will be held, our views on it, and our stance on the reforms that have been discussed

He said they also discussed the ongoing state reforms.

Stating BNP's position on the next election, he said "We've said from our side that it is very important to hold the election within this year."

He added that the interim government "should focus directly on organising the national election to hand over power to an elected government and ensure the continuation of the democratic process in Bangladesh without considering any other plan".

Stating that a country cannot run for long under an undemocratic system, Khasru said, "An undemocratic government does not have any political weight, mobilisation process or affiliation with the people. They get no feedback from the people."

"Hence, we are prioritising going back to a democratic system as soon as possible."

The interim government has announced that it plans to hold the election after completing necessary reforms within June 2026. However, advisers and senior officials of the government have maintained that the ultimate decision in this regard depends on the demands of the political parties.