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Dhaka, June 16, 2025: Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of BNP’s standing committee, has called on the interim government to promptly communicate its decision regarding a parliamentary election in February to the Election Commission. He made this appeal during a discussion meeting organized by Nagorik Oikya at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall of the National Press Club in the capital on Monday.
Salahuddin Ahmed stated, “I urge the interim government to take steps to facilitate a swift democratic transformation in favor of the people and democracy. I hope the decision reached in the London discussions will be formally communicated to the Election Commission soon, enabling them to inform the public of receiving official guidance.”
He emphasized that the interim government, formed under constitutional legitimacy and Supreme Court advisory rulings, must seek ratification from the next parliament. He advised the advisory council to adhere to constitutional provisions, particularly regarding foreign citizenship.
Referring to the London meeting with BNP leader Tarique Rahman, Salahuddin clarified that no discussions on amnesty took place. Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, on Sunday, noted that he only learned of the London announcement through media reports and questioned the authenticity of the unsigned joint statement. He stressed that no action could be taken without official directives.
National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman stated that if sufficient progress is made in reforms and justice, elections could be held before Ramadan in 2026 or as early as February.
The discussion, titled “Current Political Situation and Thoughts on a Welfare State in the National Budget 2025-26,” was chaired by Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna. Speakers included Saiful Huq, General Secretary of Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers Party; Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, President of Bhasani Janashakti Party; Mojibur Rahman Manju, Chairman of AB Party; Abul Hasan Rubel, Executive Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan; and Shahidullah Kaysar, General Secretary of Nagorik Oikya, among others.
AI/MR
