Religious Affairs Adviser to Interim Government AFM Khalid Hossain said that recent remarks of Bangladesh Army chief Gen Waker-uz-Zaman and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul regarding the tentative election timing were not the government’s official statements, reports the Business Standard.
He on Friday made this statement while talking to the reporters in Cox’s Bazar Town adding that the next parliamentary election will take place only after the government completes the ongoing state reforms that aim to ensure stability in the country.
“Until the government makes a specific announcement, the election timeline is not fixed,” he said, adding polls will be held after the state reform works, including the electoral process, were completed.
“A government has fallen. An interim government has been installed to complete the remaining term of that government. The bigger issue is the reform of the state. If elections are held without reforms, the state will remain unstable. That's why the government is deeply involved in reforming the state,” Khalid continued.
The interim government led by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on 8 August, three days after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.
The interim government is yet to announce a specific outline for the national election as its top priority has been carrying out state reforms since it took office.
The religious affairs adviser's remarks yesterday came after Asif Nazrul last Thursday night said that the next national election could be held by next year - 2025 - after completing the pre-election preparations, including the formation of a new Election Commission (EC) through a search committee and a flawless voters' list prepared by the new EC.
"I think realistically, holding the election may be possible by next year. There are many factors. This is a preliminary assumption by me," he said during a discussion on a TV programme.
In an interview with Reuters on September 24, army chief Gen Waker had backed the country's interim government ‘come what may’ to help it complete key reforms, so that elections could be held within the next 18 months.
Regarding the various political leaders' allegations that advisers have become power-hungry and will not relinquish power, Religious Affairs Adviser Khalid said that this was a ‘misconception on their part’.
"We have no desire for power or greed. We have come here temporarily; we have been entrusted with the responsibility of reforming the country. When our work is done, no one will have to tell us. We will hold the election, transfer power to the elected government and leave," said Khalid, who went to Cox's Bazar Friday morning on a two-day trip.
Bd-Pratidin English/ Afsar Munna
