In the midst of mounting political speculation surrounding Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s potential resignation, senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has stated unequivocally that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) neither demands nor supports his stepping down.
Speaking to a private television channel on Friday (May 23), the BNP Standing Committee member clarified, “There’s absolutely no pressure from BNP for Dr. Yunus to resign. We don’t want him to go. But if he chooses to resign of his own accord, the nation will inevitably chart an alternative path — no individual is irreplaceable.”
Salahuddin emphasized that while the departure of Dr. Yunus would not cause a constitutional void, the party prefers that he remain in office and steer the country forward by outlining a concrete roadmap for elections.
He added, “If he decides to exit instead of fulfilling his primary role — announcing an election timeline — that would be a personal decision. But let me be clear: we haven’t called for his resignation. And if he truly feels unable to lead, the nation will adapt. But we expect him, as a highly respected global figure, to act responsibly and guide the nation by declaring elections to be held by December.”
Highlighting communication issues, Salahuddin disclosed that the BNP has been trying to arrange a meeting with Dr. Yunus since Monday (May 19), but their efforts have been unsuccessful. He attributed this to certain advisers within the interim administration who, in his view, still carry loyalty to the previous Awami League regime or have their own political agendas.
“There are forces within the government who still view BNP as their enemy. These elements are obstructing dialogue and transparency,” he said.
Salahuddin also responded to recent remarks by Sarjis Alam, a political figure from the National Citizen Party (NCP), who alleged that BNP’s protest pressure was a factor behind Yunus considering resignation. Dismissing the accusation, Salahuddin clarified that the BNP’s demonstrations had a singular purpose: to ensure BNP leader Ishraque Hossain was sworn in as mayor following a High Court verdict.
“To claim that our protests were aimed at forcing Yunus’s resignation is a distortion of facts,” he said. “Our issue was with the delay in executing a lawful court order — nothing more.”
With the political climate tense and uncertainties surrounding the interim government’s next steps, Salahuddin’s remarks aim to position the BNP as a party prioritizing democratic process over personal politics — urging the Chief Adviser to stay on and fulfill his mandate by delivering a fair and timely election.
