Online Report : The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday called on interim government chief Prof Muhammad Yunus to immediately announce the schedule for the next national election, warning that continued delay is fueling political instability across the country.

“There appears to be a wave of unrest sweeping the country. Who are the culprits behind this instability? Who is attempting to delay the election? We wish to know these things from a great person like you, Dr Yunus,” said BNP leader and former opposition chief whip Zainul Abedin Farroque at a protest rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club.

Organised by Aparajeyo Bangladesh under the banner “Resist the Conspiracy to Foil the National Election – Rise, the People of the Country,” the rally was attended by BNP supporters and allies who expressed growing frustration over the absence of a clear election roadmap.

Farroque, a member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council, said the lack of direction is preventing political forces from shifting focus from agitation to election preparation. “Had you provided a clear election roadmap, those who took to the streets during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure—and endured countless cases and persecution—could now be participating constructively in the political process,” he said.

In a direct appeal to Prof Yunus, Farroque cautioned, “If this instability is of your making, then let it be known that the BNP will never accept responsibility for it.”

Referring to media speculation regarding Prof Yunus’s possible resignation, Farroque added, “If a respected figure like you is forced to depart in disgrace, it will hurt us deeply.”

“Let your name be written in golden letters in history, just as Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed’s is—by ensuring a fair, transparent election, conducted during daylight hours, where people can freely cast their vote,” he said.

The BNP leader further urged Prof Yunus to uphold democratic principles and remove controversial members of the advisory council. “I request you to send letters to Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Mahfuj Alam, and Khalilur Rahman, urging them to resign. Otherwise, it will fall upon you to dismiss them,” he said.

Farroque also warned against reforms that could compromise national sovereignty or create space for foreign interference. “Reforms must not pave the way to Myanmar, nor should Chattogram Port fall into the hands of others,” he warned.

To restore calm and ensure a smooth transition, Farroque concluded, “Prof Yunus himself must announce the election schedule within the next few days.”