“Election Must Be Held by December—No More Delay in the Name of Reforms,” Says BNP’s Tarique Rahman to Caretaker Government
[Dhaka, Bangladesh | May 28, 2025] —
BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stated that the future of the upcoming national election is being caught in a cycle of “so-called minor and major reforms,” which he suggested is a tactic for deliberate delay.
“People are beginning to believe that behind this stalling in the name of reforms, some within and outside the interim government may have different motives,” Rahman said while delivering a virtual speech at the Youth Assembly, organized in Dhaka by three of the BNP’s affiliated student and youth organizations.
Calling on party leaders, activists, and the public to prepare for the election, he said, “Start preparing now to ensure that the national election is held within December. It is you who will vote to choose your representatives.”
He reiterated: “It appears that the upcoming national election is already being dragged into confusion. The future of the election is spinning around the demands for so-called minor and major reforms. People are now beginning to believe that some individuals in and outside the interim government may be harboring ulterior motives behind this delay.”
Addressing the interim government, he said, “Do not turn pro-democracy parties into your opponents. If any of you want to remain in power, resign and contest in the election. If the people elect you, then run the government.”
Rahman emphasized that neutrality and credibility are the only assets of the current caretaker government.
“My sincere call and advice to them is: Do not take any step that would destroy the people’s trust and goodwill. Do not treat democratic political parties as your adversaries,” he said.
He pointed out that nearly 30 million voters had been deprived of the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidates in previous elections, and stressed that visible preparations for the next national election must begin alongside the reform discussions.
“In the past, caretaker governments have successfully held elections within three months. Bangladesh has a proven record of holding national elections within that time. But now, even after ten months, the interim government has not announced an election date,” he said.
He insisted, “The national election must be held within this coming December. It will be held by December.”
Rahman concluded by rallying the crowd with a slogan, asking them to listen carefully and repeat it with him.
He declared:
“Not Delhi, not Pindi, not any other nation… Bangladesh comes first!”
He then urged everyone to join in chanting the slogan before ending his speech.
