Following the announcement of the national parliamentary election schedule, political parties across the country have expressed a wide range of reactions.
While some view it as a new milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey, others have voiced concerns about the prospects of holding a free and fair election. Expectations and caution regarding the Election Commission (EC) featured prominently in the parties’ immediate responses.
BNP: 2026 election a new horizon for Bangladesh
Terming the schedule “timely and satisfactory,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said: “This election will open a new horizon in Bangladesh’s political history.”
“I never doubted whether the election would take place. Today is a day of joy for me,” he added.
Highlighting the critical role of the Election Commission, Fakhrul said: “It is the EC’s responsibility to ensure a neutral, free and acceptable election. After 15 years of stage-managed polls, we now hope the people will be able to form a truly representative parliament.”
Jamaat: Ensuring equal opportunity is EC’s duty
Jamaat-e-Islami described the election schedule as reassuring.
Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Jubair said: “Despite previous doubts, the schedule has given us confidence. Ensuring equal opportunity for all political parties is the EC’s foremost responsibility.”
Referring to past experiences, he said: “Many assurances were given before, yet the elections were not fair. This time we hope for change.”
Ganosamhati Andolon: A significant milestone
Ganosamhati Andolon termed the announcement a “significant milestone” in implementing the roadmap for justice, reform and elections.
In a joint statement, Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki and Executive Coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel said: “Following the July uprising, today’s announcement marks a national milestone. This election will lead to the formation of a new parliament and a constitutional reform council.”
They described free and fair elections as a “national obligation” and urged the government, EC and political parties to undertake coordinated preparations. The party also called for the formation of an election environment monitoring committee.
NCP: Concerns over fair voting
The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) welcomed the schedule but expressed concern over the voting environment. Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said: “Remaining free from partisan influence and conducting the election from a neutral position will be a major test for the EC.”
“Though the EC’s intentions may be good, doubts remain over whether true neutrality will be maintained on the ground,” he added.
However, he described the schedule as “a positive step in strengthening democratic practices.”
The NCP said the EC must maintain a “firm stance” at every stage and enhance oversight of the administration and law enforcement agencies.
