BNP has stated that it will oppose any recommendations from the Reform Commission if they hinder the possibility of a fair election. This statement was made by BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) at the Election Commission (EC) office in Agargaon on Sunday.

During the meeting, he emphasized that the EC does not have the authority to set the election date. However, based on discussions with the EC, it appears that the commission will be fully prepared to conduct the parliamentary elections by May or June. He further mentioned that BNP would discuss the election timeline with the Chief Adviser in a scheduled meeting today.

A three-member BNP delegation, led by Nazrul Islam Khan, met with the EC at 3:30 PM in the conference room of the Election Commission building. The delegation included BNP Standing Committee members Selima Rahman and Salahuddin Ahmed. On the other hand, CEC A.M.M. Nasir Uddin was accompanied by Election Commissioners Anwarul Islam Sarker, Abdur Rahman Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmed, Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah, and EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.

When journalists asked Nazrul Islam Khan whether the issue of the EC’s diminished authority—due to some Reform Commission proposals—was discussed in the meeting, he responded, “That is their concern. But if we also find that any proposal from the Reform Commission obstructs a fair election, we will oppose it, just as the Election Commission would.”

Following the hour-long discussion, he mentioned that the final decision regarding reforms would come after discussions between stakeholders and the government. If any legal or regulatory changes are made accordingly, the Election Commission will have to comply. However, those changes have not yet been implemented. He confirmed that BNP inquired about the EC’s election preparedness, and from their perspective, the commission appears to be preparing properly for the upcoming election.

Regarding the legal requirement to hold elections within 90 days if the government resigns, Nazrul Islam Khan commented, “That provision is not currently being followed. From our discussions, it seems that the EC will be fully prepared to hold elections with an updated voter list by May or June. However, the EC does not have the authority to decide on election dates. The election will take place based on political consensus and at the government’s request. Despite some existing challenges, a quick election is still feasible.”

When asked whether BNP was satisfied with the EC’s preparedness, he responded, “Well, we believe the EC is taking the necessary steps as per legal requirements.”

Regarding BNP’s preferred election timeline, he clarified that since announcing the election date is the government’s responsibility, BNP will bring up this issue in their discussion with the Chief Adviser.

On voter list updates, Nazrul Islam Khan stated that nearly 3 million new voters would be added, while approximately 1.5 million deceased voters would be removed. However, additional adjustments may still occur.

The current Election Commission, led by retired secretary A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, was formed in November following a political shift. This was the first formal BNP-EC meeting in six years.

BNP to Meet Chief Adviser Today

BNP leaders are scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus today (Monday) to understand the government’s stance on the election. If the updated voter list is completed by May, BNP sees no obstacles to holding the national election within this year. The party hopes the government will ensure necessary electoral reforms and finalize related procedures promptly.

As per legal provisions, the election roadmap should be announced by the head of government. BNP is expected to seek clarification on the government’s stance and its election roadmap.

Party sources indicate that BNP will also discuss the current political climate with the Chief Adviser, including incidents of vandalism at various locations, such as Dhanmondi 32. If their meeting does not yield positive responses, BNP plans to launch protest programs demanding early elections. The party has already announced rallies at both divisional and district levels.