Leaders of the 12-Party Alliance have strongly opposed the idea of holding the next national election in April, labeling it potentially an ‘April Fools’ joke.’
They asserted that all democratic parties in the country have demanded elections be held in December, and the people of Bangladesh have already rejected what they call a `fascist` regime to reclaim their voting rights—not to be deceived again.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the alliance emphasized that the demand for a December election is not limited to one party but is a shared stance among all democratic political forces.
They argued that April is an unsuitable time for elections, citing factors such as academic examinations, unpredictable weather, heatwaves, and nor’westers that may hinder voter turnout and disrupt election operations.
The alliance also raised concerns over remarks made by Chief Advisor and Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
They criticized his recent statement suggesting that the Chattogram port’s management could be handed over to foreign entities and warned that those opposing such decisions would be ‘dealt with.’
The alliance argued that such declarations cannot be made by someone in a caretaker role and questioned whether Dr. Yunus truly represents the interests of Bangladesh.
The leaders further expressed alarm that moving the election to April would place it just after the holy month of Ramadan, a period unsuitable for intense election activities. They also questioned Dr. Yunus’s motives, asking whom he is trying to appease by proposing a shift from December to April.
They noted that a political decision regarding Dr. Yunus’s role as Chief Advisor will be made after Eid, suggesting that the public should decide whether he is fit to continue in that capacity.
According to the alliance, an election before December is both feasible and preferable. They claimed that even patriotic elements within the military have signaled that an earlier election could be organized to meet public expectations.
The 12-Party Alliance includes the Jatiya Party, Bangladesh LDP, Bangladesh National Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, JAGPA, Labor Party Bangladesh, Kalyan Party, Islami Oikya Jote, Islamic Party, Naya Ganatantrik Party, and Progressive Nationalist Party (PNP).
