The interim government has said the next general elections will be held between December 2024 and June 2025. The Election Commission is also preparing to hold elections by December. But, the BNP is not satisfied with these assurances of democratic transition, and wants specific election roadmap from the government.

The party is also working in full swing to stage demonstrations in the streets, with support from allied parties, to what they claim “reclaim the right to vote.” They would initially hold talks with the chief adviser seeking specific roadmap, but upon failure, would wage street movement.

The biggest political party standing wants to pressure the government in submission and claims to be working to “rally the people behind it.”

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has said people can consider this push either as a “demand or demonstration.” BNP is right to claim that people also want to cast votes in due time – but the party must note that people are not willing to sacrifice stability at this already precarious time for the sake of elections. In short, people do not want street demonstrations now. They know that the interim government is, so far, not willing to hold on to power. The interim government chief, Prof Muhammad Yunus, commands huge respect both at home and abroad.

It is not expected from a responsible party like BNP to wage street movement now. The party has stood the test of time during the 15-year Awami League rule. Numerous attempts to split the party and disrepute the top leadership have failed. But if the party loses patience at this crucial juncture, it risks losing all its achievements as well as the gains of last year’s anti-fascist uprising.

The country’s law and order situation is still considerably shaky. On top of this there are economic uncertainties and a lack of foreign investment. A massive disinformation campaign is being waged globally, sponsored by the fallen Awami League leaders and some foreign vested groups, to downgrade the country’s democratic legacy as well as business climate. And some of the rumours being spread are true: the country has repeatedly experienced mob violence and anarchy since the Awami League fascist government ouster last year.

In this backdrop, BNP must not contribute to aggravating the social, diplomatic and economic crisis. It must have patience and resort to dialogues only.