Bangladesh opposition presses for election roadmap, Yunus offers no clear response
Dhaka: Bangladesh’s political climate saw renewed intensity as the country’s top three political parties, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP), collectively pressed the interim government for a definitive election timeline. However, sources revealed that Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus offered “no specific response” during a crucial meeting held at his official residence.
The BNP reiterated its demand for national elections to be held between December 2025 and June 2026, and called for the removal of three members of the Advisory Council, student leaders Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam, along with National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman. BNP leader Khandker Mosharraf Hossain told reporters that the party had submitted a written memorandum outlining their concerns and demands.
“We want justice, and an independent judiciary. The remaining trials will continue even if BNP comes to power,” Hossain stated, warning that delays in announcing an election roadmap could trigger fears of authoritarian resurgence.
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized that reforms must be based on political consensus and that elections before December were “feasible.” Fellow member Salahuddin Ahmed echoed the demand for advisor resignations.
Chief Advisor Yunus later held separate meetings with Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP. Jamaat leaders reportedly supported Yunus' tentative election window while pressing for judicial action against Awami League members allegedly involved in the July uprising. They stressed a level playing field and inclusivity in the upcoming elections.
The NCP, meanwhile, proposed a comprehensive list of demands, including the reconstitution of the Election Commission, conducting local body polls before parliamentary elections, and parallel frameworks for reforms, justice processes, and constituent assembly preparations.
These high-level discussions occurred just days after Yunus publicly expressed frustration over ongoing protests and hinted at resigning. In a statement released Saturday, the interim administration warned that unrest was hampering governance and spreading confusion.
The Advisory Council reiterated its commitment to constitutional duties and warned that persistent obstruction, whether from internal dissent or foreign interference, could force the administration to reevaluate its course of action in consultation with the people.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated on the ground as government employees continued to lay siege to the Secretariat in Dhaka, protesting the proposed dissolution of the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
In a bid to reassure the public, Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that all major parties had endorsed the conduct of elections under Yunus' leadership.
“He is a man of his word. What he says, he does,” Shafiqul told the media, reaffirming the government’s commitment to holding elections between December and June as part of its promise to restore democratic governance.
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Israeli media say Iran security chief Ali Larijani targeted in fresh strikes
Tel Aviv/Tehran: Israeli media have reported that the Israeli military targeted Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani in a fresh round of strikes, though his condition remains unclear.
According to the reports, “the military has targeted Iran's security chief Ali Larijani,” adding that it was not immediately clear whether he was killed or injured.
There has been no official confirmation or response from Iranian authorities so far, Reuters reported.
