Zainul Abdin Farroque, adviser to the chairperson of the BNP, said political parties will determine when the elections will take place.

He made the comment during a sit-in organized by Democracy Forum in front of the National Press Club on Thursday.

"When Dr Yunus will announce elections and when it will be held —that decision rests with the political parties. Our confidence lies with the BNP and our leader, Tarique Rahman. He has said that he wants to bring the BNP to power through a daytime election in Bangladesh, one where dead people cannot vote. An election commission that conducts elections at the behest of Hasina should never again exist in Bangladesh,” he said.

He further said Dr Muhammad Yunus is a shining star for the country, elevating Bangladesh's image on the global stage. “For the past 16 years, the Awami League has suppressed the voices of the people. Now, they have begun yet another conspiracy against Dr Yunus… The blood of Abu Sayed will not be in vain.

“No matter how much you (Awami League) conspire, you will never be able to resurrect the name of the Awami League on Bangladeshi soil."

He added that Sheikh Hasina has conspired with India at the expense of people's rights. “When my brothers were shot and killed at the border, you never allowed us to raise that issue in parliament. Now, you sit arrogantly in India. The Modi government has no complaints against you, but your home minister speaks against Bangladesh. You should refrain from making comments about Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh are vigilant."

Commenting on the repression of media freedom, Farroque said: "The Awami League has prevented you from performing your duties properly. Your channels have been controlled through DGFI. We hope that under this government of Dr Yunus, you will be able to freely present the history of 16 years of killings, enforced disappearances, and the bereavement of mothers to the people of Bangladesh through your independent writing and expression. This is our request to you."