Bangladesh: Nahid Islam Doubts Yunus Government's Ability To Hold Elections This Year, Cites Unrest And Policing Failures

The head of Bangladesh’s newly launched Jatiya Nagorik Party or National Citizens' Party (NCP) has expressed doubts over the interim government’s ability to ensure public safety and hold general elections this year, citing ongoing unrest and incomplete policing reforms, as reported by The Economic Times.

"In the past seven months, we all expected the policing system, law and order to be restored through short-term reforms. It has happened to an extent, but not up to our expectations," said Nahid Islam, NCP chief and former student leader, in his first interview since assuming the role, as quoted by The Economic Times.

Concerns Over Security and Election Feasibility

Islam, who previously served as an adviser in the interim administration, is the first major political figure to publicly question Muhammad Yunus' proposed election timeline.

His remarks come amid increasing reports of violence, including attacks on symbols of Hasina’s administration and clashes between student factions.

There have also been instances of targeted violence against minority communities, though the interim government has downplayed these concerns.

A New Political Force Amidst Old Rivalries

Islam’s youth-led NCP is being viewed by analysts as a potential disruptor to Bangladesh’s long-standing political duopoly dominated by Hasina’s Awami League and Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). 

Both parties have been demanding early elections, arguing that the interim government should return power to a democratically elected administration.

Despite the ongoing unrest, Islam stated that NCP is preparing for elections whenever they are scheduled. 

However, he emphasised the importance of achieving consensus on the ‘Proclamation of the July Revolution’, a proposed charter that the interim government aims to draft in consultation with political parties and student activists.

Islam explained that the proclamation will reflect the aspirations of the people and honor the 1,000 lives lost in last year’s protests. Student protesters have withdrawn demands for constitutional changes after the government assured them that the proclamation would be created.

Election Uncertainty and Funding Push

Islam believes that if a consensus on the proclamation is reached within a month, elections could be announced sooner. "But if it takes more time, the election should be deferred," he cautioned.

Meanwhile, NCP has begun receiving financial backing from wealthy individuals across Bangladesh and plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign to establish a party office and secure resources for the eventual elections.