Leaders from 13 political parties and alliances on Wednesday urged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to announce a specific date for the upcoming national election immediately.
During a meeting with the chief adviser, they emphasised the need for neutrality and equal opportunities in the electoral process.
"The government is openly favouring the National Citizen Party (NCP), which is creating political discrimination and widening the division," said Nurul Haque Nur, president of the Gono Odhikar Parishad.
He added, "If this partial behaviour continues, free and fair elections under this government will not be possible."
He also warned that cohorts of the banned Awami League could exploit any instability to incite chaos.
Ganasamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki stressed the urgency of announcing the election date.
"The government holds responsibility for electoral and judicial reforms. Declaring a fixed date now would offer the public some reassurance," he said, adding that a level playing field and equal treatment of all parties are essential.
AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju pointed to recent incidents in Gopalganj and Uttara as signs of fascist elements exploiting the political situation.
"From the government's actions, it appears hesitant about pursuing reforms or even holding elections," he said.
He added that while Muhammad Yunus acknowledged political disunity as a gateway for authoritarianism, the government itself has played a role in fueling that division.
Dr Shahadat Hossain Selim, spokesperson for the 12-Party Alliance and chairman of Bangladesh LDP, criticised the government for allowing NCP to campaign using official protocol, despite not being registered.
"We demand that the election date be declared by 5 August," he said.
Ruhin Hossain Prince, general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), warned that political uncertainty would persist unless a clear election date is set. "Labeling any party as government-affiliated will only worsen the crisis."
Bazlur Rashid Firoz, general secretary of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal, said, "The government only turns to political parties when it finds itself in trouble. The NCP hasn't even been registered, yet they're receiving state protocol. This is blatant discrimination."
Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, remarked that the government appears increasingly weak and the country is drifting toward anarchy.
"Frequent dialogue with political parties is essential to ensure a fair election," he said.
LDP Secretary General and freedom fighter Dr Redwan Ahmed echoed the need for unity.
"Despite political differences, consensus is possible in the national interest. But the government's weakness and partial actions are becoming more evident," he said.
Representatives of BNP, NCP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh attended a meeting with the chief adviser yesterday in Jamuna.
