BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday sharply criticised Dr Muhammad Yunus for suggesting that the interim government remains a viable solution, arguing that Bangladeshis did not endure a 16-year struggle merely to entrust the nation`s fate to a so-called "superhuman."

"Our long struggle was aimed at restoring democracy, re-establishing a democratic system, and returning voting rights and national ownership to the people," Khosru told reporters after a series of meetings with three political parties at the BNP Chairperson`s office in Gulshan.

His remarks came in reaction to a journalist`s question regarding Prof Yunus` recent interview with Al Jazeera, where the Chief Adviser stated that the interim government still enjoys public support and reaffirmed that national elections would be held by June 2026.

Rejecting Yunus’ assertion, Khosru, a member of BNP`s Standing Committee, said, "The people of Bangladesh did not fight and sacrifice for so long just to hand the nation`s future over to any great figure. The people`s expectations are for a system governed by their votes, not by an individual’s vision."

He further questioned whom Prof Yunus was referring to when he said people still back the interim government. "BNP represents the majority of Bangladesh`s population. We, along with numerous other political forces, demand immediate elections to restore democracy," Khosru stated.

Citing recent dialogues with various political groups opposed to Sheikh Hasina’s rule, Khosru noted that approximately 50 parties have already voiced a unified demand for national elections to be held before December this year.

He urged the government to announce a clear electoral roadmap, built upon a national charter based on mutually agreed reform proposals. "Once the charter is finalised, the Election Commission should promptly set an election date and publish the schedule," he said.

Khosru also cast doubt on whether the "people" Prof Yunus referred to truly represent the general public or were instead beneficiaries of the current system opposing democratic reforms. "It’s clear that these groups are prioritising reform over real democracy," he remarked.

Expressing optimism, Khosru said he hopes Prof Yunus remains committed to the promises made during earlier consultations with political parties. "We insist on elections by December. The people of Bangladesh have shed blood for genuine democracy — to see a government chosen by their votes," he asserted.

As part of BNP`s broader engagement with like-minded parties, Khosru, accompanied by fellow Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, held meetings with three political organizations on Monday.

Delegations included a 10-member team from NAP Bhasani led by Advocate Azharul Islam, a 12-member group from Amjanatar Dal headed by Moshiuzzaman, and an eight-member team from Bangladesh People`s Party led by Nazma Akter.

The BNP initiated discussions with its political allies on April 17 to strategize its next steps toward the upcoming elections.