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BNP urges govt to update EC on London poll talks
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday called upon the interim government to promptly inform the Election Commission (EC) of the decision to hold the national election in February next year, as discussed during the meeting between Professor Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman in London.
“We hope that the interim government will take steps to initiate the necessary process for a democratic transformation, and that the decision taken in the London meeting will soon be communicated to the Election Commission through the appropriate channel,” he told a discussion.
The BNP leader said this will enable the Election Commission to inform the people that it has received an advisory or directive message from the government.
Salahuddin also highlighted the need for future ratification of the decisions made by the Prof Yunus-led interim government.
He, however, said there was no discussion about granting the interim government indemnity during the London meeting. "Since Saiful Haque Bhai (from the Revolutionary Workers Party) asked whether the issue of indemnity was discussed in London, no, there was no such discussion."
The BNP leader said the advisory council of the interim government was formed with constitutional legitimacy. “It has been formed under Article 106 of the Constitution, based on the Supreme Court's advisory rule. The interim government’s Chief Adviser and other advisers are in place. Since the Constitution is currently in effect, the government is running constitutionally.”
As per the Constitution, he said the advisers are to hold the status of ministers. “According to Article 66, a minister must have the qualifications of a Member of Parliament. I would remind the advisers to be mindful of this. Foreign citizenship is also not allowed there, and there are several other matters.”
Salahuddin said the interim government will also need ratification by the next Parliament as per the Constitution.
“This is something the interim government should keep in mind. If ratification is required, we will consider where and how this legitimacy will be granted,” he said.
Nagorik Oikya organised the programme titled “Current Political Situation and National Budget 2025–26 in the Vision of a Welfare State” at the Jatiya Press Club.
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman met for 90 minutes on Friday in London and agreed to hold the next election in the week before Ramadan 2026, instead of early April, if all preparations are completed in time.
A joint statement from the Chief Adviser and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was issued following their meeting in London, indicating that the talks marked a turning point in dispelling the political stalemate and easing strained ties between the interim government and the country’s largest political party.
About the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, Salahuddin said this year’s budget does not include any measures to reduce inflation, although it is growing, reports UNB.
“Ten months is enough time to prepare a budget. Even an elected government doesn’t work all twelve months to prepare a budget as they focus on it three to four months before the announcement. But the interim government's budget is just a traditional one.”