BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has raised concerns over the sudden shift of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election timeline from December to April, questioning whose interests are being served by this move.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Chattogram’s Mehedibag on Sunday, Amir Khasru asked, “For whom is the election being delayed? Who is benefiting from this? Will those currently in control influence and shape the next election to their advantage? These are the questions being asked now.”
He pointed out that most political parties had expressed a clear preference for holding the elections in December.
According to him, there was near-unanimous consensus on that timeline, and preparations, including judicial proceedings, were already underway.
“Justice will follow its own course. The government does not run the judiciary. So why abruptly shift the election to April when it could be held earlier—perhaps in September, October, or November?” he asked.
Highlighting practical concerns, the senior BNP leader said December was chosen carefully, considering the timing of Ramadan, academic exams, and seasonal weather patterns such as Kalboishakhi storms.
“Once Ramadan starts, it’s not feasible to conduct election activities. After that, the weather and exam schedules make it even more difficult,” he added.
Amir Khasru argued that without a sitting parliament or elected government in place, decisions regarding the election schedule must be based on national consensus.
“If there is no elected government or parliament, then such decisions must be made collectively. The consensus is for December. So why is April being considered? Whose agenda does this serve?” he questioned.
He concluded by warning that bypassing national consensus could lead to further political uncertainty and erode public trust in the electoral process.
