Dhaka: Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul announced today that the general elections, as per the pledge of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, will be conducted between December 2025 and June 2026. He emphasized that regardless of any statements, the elections would not be postponed beyond June. This statement followed a meeting between a delegation from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Chief Adviser Prof Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Asif Nazrul spoke to reporters, revealing that the BNP has requested elections by December. He noted that the meeting with BNP leaders was conducted in a cordial atmosphere, highlighting BNP’s commitment to reforms. Dr Nazrul outlined the interim government’s plan, stating that a roadmap for the elections would be announced two months prior to the polls. He acknowledged potential delays due to necessary legal and policy measures, despite the announcement of the July Charter.
During the discussions, BNP leaders expressed concerns over certain interim government decisions perceived as unfavorable. Dr Nazrul responded by citing instances where decisions have benefited the BNP. Addressing BNP’s demand for the withdrawal of political cases, he mentioned that over 7,000 cases had been withdrawn in the past three months, with approximately 16,000 remaining.
Dr Nazrul noted BNP’s claims of oppression during a 15-year regime and acknowledged the government’s respect for these grievances. He highlighted BNP’s positive response to proposals from the National Consensus Commission and other reform bodies. Assuring cooperation, BNP agreed to most reform proposals, and the finalization of the July Charter is expected soon, which Dr Nazrul believes will expedite the election process.
The law adviser emphasized the public’s expectation for the interim government to conduct the trial of the July-August carnage before the elections. Stressing the significance of this trial, he questioned the feasibility of holding elections without addressing such key issues. He asserted that elections depend on necessary reforms, the carnage trial, and interim government decisions.
In response to inquiries about the trial of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India last August, Dr Nazrul assured that her trial would not be delayed. The press briefing was attended by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Present at the meeting were Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan. The BNP delegation was led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and included Standing Committee Members Jamiruddin Sirkar, Salahuddin Ahmed, Mirza Abbas, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Nazrul Islam Khan.