Uncertainty surrounding the upcoming national election has largely eased following the Chief Adviser’s recent address and the publication of the gazette on the July Charter.

The decision to hold the national election and referendum on the same day has also been finalised. Although Jamaat-e-Islami has voiced dissatisfaction over the referendum, the party has said the election will eventually take place in February.

With developments moving quickly, the public outlook has shifted—now, the country’s focus is firmly on the election. Election momentum is already visible nationwide.

Political leaders have echoed this sentiment, saying the nation is now “on the election train.” They noted that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ address has dispelled lingering doubts. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stated clearly that the public is interested in nothing except the February national polls.

The interim government has set the timeline for the election, paving the way for a government that is accountable to the people through direct voting.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told Bangladesh Pratidin that the nation is firmly heading toward the election and that it will be held in February without doubt.

The BNP has already announced 237 candidates, who have begun campaigning in their constituencies in full swing.

They are now travelling door-to-door to win voters’ support. Decisions on candidates for the remaining 63 seats will be made soon.

BNP is also resolving seat-related complexities stemming from its alliance and finalising seat-sharing discussions with its partners. Jamaat-e-Islami, too, has long been active on the ground.

Although the party has tried to mobilise the streets on various issues, it has simultaneously been preparing for the polls.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has begun issuing party nominations in different constituencies. Party chief Nahid Islam and several senior leaders have already been finalised as candidates.

Other political parties are also moving toward finalising their nominations, with some candidates already entering the field.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Advocate Fazlur Rahman said political parties and the public are now fully election-focused. “People are thinking about nothing but the election.

They were deprived of voting rights for 18 years. I could not even visit my own constituency. People can now breathe in a fascism-free environment and are eager to cast their votes in a festive national atmosphere,” he said.

Nagorik Oikya President and former DUCSU VP Mahmudur Rahman Manna told Bangladesh Pratidin that much of the uncertainty over the polls has lifted. “We are contesting the election jointly with the BNP.

The alliance has nominated me for Bogura-2. Tarique Rahman respects me, and he has announced plans for a future national government.

We will work for the development of Bogura under his leadership, including the city corporation and public university,” he said.

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque said uncertainty has significantly diminished, and everyone is becoming election-oriented. “But conspiracies have not ended. We must remain alert,” he warned.

Gonoshonghoti Andolon chief coordinator Zonayed Saki said the election must be held by February. “The chief adviser has clarified the matter.

Anyone attempting to derail the election, reforms, or the path to justice will act against Bangladesh’s national interest. We must unite the people and resist such conspiracies,” he said.

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur said all doubts regarding the election and referendum have now faded. He sees the decision to hold both polls on the same day as positive.

“Although we had differing views on some parts of the July Charter, the chief adviser’s address has resolved many concerns,” he said. He added that divisions among political parties could threaten the election process. “Given the timing, holding the election and referendum on the same day is the right decision.

The chief adviser has considered everyone’s views on the July Charter. All parties must now remain united to ensure the February election is held.”