Online Desk  :   The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called for the 13th national elections to be held by mid-year, specifically by July-August 2025. On Tuesday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized that it was entirely feasible to prepare for the elections within this time frame, urging the interim government to take swift action in organizing the process. Addressing a press conference at BNP Chairperson’s office in Dhaka’s Gulshan, Alamgir stated, “It’s possible to complete the voter list in a month, and the national elections can be held by mid-year.” He also voiced his party’s stance against holding local elections prior to the national polls, asserting that such a move would unnecessarily delay the parliamentary election.

The press conference followed a BNP Standing Committee meeting held on January 13, which was chaired virtually by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from London. Key topics discussed during the meeting included the timing of the upcoming election and various political issues. Party sources indicated that the BNP leadership is resolute in its position that local elections should not be held before the national elections, as it would detract from the focus on parliamentary polls. The party leaders underscored that the interim government should prioritize organizing the national election in line with the people’s demands, leaving the local government elections to be managed by the next elected government.

Additionally, Fakhrul criticized recent hikes in gas prices and increased VAT on essential goods, warning that these measures would worsen the economic hardship faced by the public.