The absence of a “clear” roadmap for the next parliamentary elections is fuelling uncertainty and raising concerns about the possible re-emergence of previously ousted undemocratic and authoritarian forces in Bangladesh, according to a section of politicians and political experts.

Several political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have called on the interim government to provide a specific timeline for the next general election. However, the administration has yet to respond, creating a situation marked by growing doubt and speculation.

Speaking to the Daily Sun, BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku stated that the demand for an election roadmap is rooted in the need for national stability and to thwart potential conspiracies and the reappearance of anti-democratic actors.

“Until an elected government is formed, instability will persist. A government elected through popular vote is always more stable. Without such a government, it becomes difficult to manage law and order, ensure economic sustainability, and uphold strong diplomatic relations,” he said.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed echoed this sentiment, saying that the lack of clarity over the electoral roadmap is creating confusion among the public.

“At the same time, the fallen fascist Awami League may seize this opportunity to manipulate the situation. We believe the interim government has good intentions, and they should announce a clear and specific roadmap to counter all conspiracies against the country,” he added.

Saiful Huq, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, also underscored the need for a transparent election plan.

“The absence of a clear election roadmap is widening the gap between the interim government and the political parties,” he noted.

He further warned that the political vacuum may be exploited by defeated forces attempting to destabilise the government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, which assumed office following the ousting of the autocratic Sheikh Hasina regime.

Hopes of bridging political divisions suffered a setback on Wednesday when a high-level meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and BNP leaders ended without consensus on a specific election date.

While the BNP demanded that the elections be held by December this year, the interim government insisted on a broader window – between December 2025 and June 2026.

“The chief adviser did not provide a specific date. He said elections could be held any time between December and June. We are not satisfied. We made it clear that December is our cut-off,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters following the meeting.

He also warned that any delay could worsen the situation and make governance increasingly difficult.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul stated that the proposed timeline was not intended to delay the election.

“The chief adviser has repeatedly assured that elections will be held within this timeframe. If December is feasible, it will be held then. Otherwise, it will occur as soon as possible thereafter. There is no hidden agenda to push it unnecessarily to June,” he said.

At a press briefing in Dhaka on Thursday, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman stated that the party seeks general elections as soon as their three conditions are met: necessary reforms, visible justice for the July-August incidents, and the creation of an appropriate electoral environment.

However, political observers note that a gap has emerged between the interim government and political parties regarding the polls. Simultaneously, divisions are also becoming apparent among parties and individuals who played key roles in the July-August uprising that ousted the previous regime, as disagreements over the timing and conduct of the polls surface.

Speaking to the Daily Sun, political analysts emphasised that a specific election roadmap is essential to maintaining political and social stability and to prevent the re-emergence of anti-democratic forces.

They also warned that prolonged delays could intensify conflicts among political groups and provide opportunities for destabilising elements to take advantage of the situation.

“The interim government itself has sown confusion by not providing a clear electoral timeline. Had a roadmap been announced, these doubts would not have arisen,” said Prof Sabbir Ahmed, general secretary of the Department of Political Science at Dhaka University.

He noted that it is natural for political parties to demand timely elections as they are prepared to contest and are unwilling to wait indefinitely.

Prof Sabbir added that the delay in announcing a roadmap is creating a volatile atmosphere in which opportunistic forces may seek to exploit the uncertainty.

“This government is lacking in political tact,” he observed.

Former Dhaka University professor Mahbub Ullah also noted the ambiguity in the interim government’s proposed timeline of December to June.

“The issue now is whether political parties will perceive any hidden motives behind this proposed timeframe,” he remarked.