Salahuddin hopes elections a week before Ramadan

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed expressed optimism that the national elections will take place a week before Ramadan in February next year. 

Speaking to reporters at his Gulshan residence on Tuesday, he dismissed concerns about the elections.

He alleged that two or three parties are deliberately creating confusion as a strategic move.

Salahuddin put stress on the BNP's commitment to holding fair elections while preserving anti-fascist national unity. 

He termed the upcoming election as a historic milestone in Bangladesh's political landscape. 

He slammed demands for a Constituent Assembly and the use of the Proportional Representation (PR) method in parliamentary elections, labelling them as political tactics to stir unrest.

He noted a strong election atmosphere in the country, warning that parties opposing or boycotting the elections risk political irrelevance. 

"Those who boycott with excuses will sideline themselves from future politics," he stated.

On the July Charter, Salahuddin said the BNP finds some of its commitments unreasonable and plans to propose alternatives for discussion in the consensus commission. 

He stressed that any provision in the charter exceeding constitutional bounds would be unacceptable, urging political parties to resolve differences through dialogue.

Salahuddin clarified that the BNP seeks a smooth electoral process under the interim government, formed through consensus. 

He supported reinstating the caretaker government system for future elections and expressed confidence in the interim government's timeline for holding elections, dismissing alternative scenarios.

Regarding alliances, Salahuddin ruled out any partnership with Jamaat-e-Islami but indicated potential coalitions with parties involved in the simultaneous movement and some Islamic parties.

“Discussions are ongoing and no final decisions have been made,” he continued.