Mirza Abbas casts doubt on December elections in Bangladesh

The BNP leader criticises the NCP and others over their election statements

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has cast doubt over whether “the next general election in Bangladesh will be held anytime soon”.

“Confusion is being created over the election,” he said at a discussion in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon.

The BNP leader also criticised newly formed political parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), for their remarks on the polls and reforms.

He urged Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to be cautious of those around him, saying: “Pay attention to your left and right.”

The Awami League government was ousted in a mass uprising on Aug 5 last year, and an interim administration led by Yunus took charge, pledging to carry out reforms.

While the BNP is pushing for a swift election following the reforms, the NCP insists polls must only be held after a full overhaul.

Jamaat-e-Islami has also said an election before February is unlikely without reforms, trial of “fascists”, and a “proper” electoral framework.

The BNP met Yunus on Apr 16 to discuss the roadmap to elections.

The party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir later told journalists that the BNP was not satisfied with the discussion.

Yunus has recently said a limited reform process could allow for elections by December, but if full reforms are carried out, polls may be delayed until June next year.

At Wednesday’s event, Abbas said: “Let me say something—this is my personal opinion, not my party’s. There’s an English saying that goes ‘Hope for the best, prepare for the worst’.”

“I am hoping for something good,” he added. “But thinking of the worst, I believe the interim government may not hold elections very soon. I don’t see any sign of that.”

He also explained why he is uncertain. “Muhammad Yunus said the election might be held in December or, if not, then in June.

“That very statement has placed you in an awkward position. First, you said December, then June. You are not the one responsible for this uncomfortable situation — it’s not your burden to carry,” Abbas said.

“As soon as you [Yunus] mentioned December, someone else came out and said June. Later, you repeated the same,” he added.

‘WHAT SOME PARTIES HAVE STARTED’

Abbas said, “Some parties have started saying this or that must happen first — but if this continues, how will the election take place at all?”

“Some have outright declared they won’t take part in the election,” he added.

“Just a few days ago, did it even matter whether you joined or not? Who even knew you in Bangladesh? Now you say you won’t join and try to issue threats – it’s of no use.”

‘CONSPIRACY TO DIVIDE THE PEOPLE’

The BNP leader said, “Our country is in a dire state. The people of this nation — every citizen, every political party — must stand united.

“If the people of Bangladesh are divided, we will once again fall under Indian hegemonic influence.”

He added, “Whatever the party — BNP, Jamaat, NCP or any other — we may have differences. But in the interest of the nation, we must always remember the importance of unity.”

He referred to the unity seen among the public in July and August, comparing it to the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War, when — except for a few — the entire nation stood together.

Abbas described that unity as the people’s only real “weapon”, one that had driven out “fascist” and occupying forces.

“Even now, if we are to protect the independence and sovereignty of this country, we must remain united,” Abbas said. “Our opposing forces are trying to divide us, and we must remain alert to that.”