The Election Commission (EC) has stated that holding national elections before December is impossible, despite the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) urging for elections to be held by mid-2024. The EC’s response follows remarks by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who called for elections in the middle of this year during a press briefing on January 14.

Election Commissioner Tahmida Ahmed clarified that the EC is following the roadmap outlined by the Chief Advisor and is preparing for elections either in December 2024 or January 2025. She stated, "We are not here to fulfill anyone's wishes. We are working on preparations for elections in December or January next year. It is impossible for us to hold an election before that. A fair election requires time for proper preparations." She emphasized that the election preparations, which include revising voter lists starting January 20 and potential legal changes, require ample time, adding that this is the collective stance of the commission.

On January 13, following a meeting of the BNP’s Standing Committee, Fakhrul Islam called for the establishment of an interim government to oversee the 13th national elections in mid-2024. He stressed that having an elected government is crucial for the country’s democracy. He suggested that the elections could be conducted between July and August 2024, urging the government, the Election Commission, and political parties to act in the larger interest of the country by facilitating elections during this time.

The controversy surrounding the election schedule stems from statements made by Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus on December 16. In his speech on Victory Day, Yunus suggested that the timing of the elections would depend on the level of political consensus and reforms made ahead of the polls. He indicated that elections could be held within a year to a year and a half, pointing to a potential timeline between mid-2025 and early 2026.

In the same month, the government’s spokesperson stated that preparations for the election are being targeted for July 2026. This delay has been met with criticism from opposition parties like the BNP, which continue to demand earlier elections.

BNP’s Joint Secretary General Imran Saleh Prince voiced concerns over what he described as an ongoing conspiracy to delay the election, both domestically and internationally. He emphasized the importance of transferring power to an elected government as soon as possible for the country’s welfare. He also noted that the party was not asking for elections within three months but believes a one-year timeframe is reasonable.

The issue was further discussed at the EC meeting on January 14, where Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanuallah confirmed that the primary focus of the commission is the national election. He noted that recent discussions had begun regarding local elections, but the majority of the population preferred the commission to prioritize the national election.

Commissioner Tahmida Ahmed also reiterated that the Election Commission is not contemplating local government elections at the moment. The primary objective is to proceed with national election preparations.

Meanwhile, the National Citizens Committee (NCC) voiced concerns about the breakdown of the local government system, stating that citizens are being deprived of essential services. However, the committee also clarified that they do not seek national elections at this time. They are calling for a Constituent Assembly election, where the elected representatives would draft a new constitution. This assembly would later transform into a national parliament.

Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed responded to questions about BNP’s call for elections, stating that the commission is working within the parameters outlined by the Chief Advisor’s roadmap. He added that it was not his place to comment on political parties’ positions, as the EC’s role is to implement the established election timetable.

BNP’s demand for earlier elections has gained traction among some opposition parties. The leader of the Jatiya Party (JP), G. M. Kader, also expressed support for holding elections soon, citing the government's failure to meet the expectations of the people. He stated that the ruling party had failed to build political consensus and that reforms proposed by the government would not be universally accepted. He insisted that the government should prioritize holding elections rather than focusing on reforms. However, he stressed the importance of creating a level playing field, as the opposition is currently facing restrictions on political activities, with many party leaders and activists facing detention and false charges.

Similarly, the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Secretary General Ruhin Hossain Prince echoed these sentiments, criticizing the government for disregarding public demands. He highlighted issues like new taxes and rising living costs as factors exacerbating public discontent, advocating for the swift transfer of power to an elected government.