Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today reiterated his position on the next election, stressing that the government will hold the polls between December this year and June 2026. “Prof Yunus is a man of his word. He gave a cut-off time. He won’t go beyond that,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters in front of the State Guest House Jamuna tonight after the Chief Adviser held meetings with three major political parties.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Alam said the Chief Adviser conveyed the same message to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) when its leaders met him at his residence. During separate meetings with delegations of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) at Jamuna, discussions were held on reforms, polls, and the trial of crimes committed during the July uprising.
During the meetings, Alam noted that each party expressed their full support for Prof Yunus and his interim government, emphasizing their trust in his leadership for a free, fair, and neutral election. BNP has sought polls by December this year, while Jamaat-e-Islami stated that the government would require time until December to complete reform works, supporting the Chief Adviser’s timeframe.
Alam further mentioned that both NCP and Jamaat expressed concerns about the current electoral landscape, stating that there is no level playing field for free and fair polls. They urged the government to ensure reforms in the Election Commission to create a level playing field. Prof Ali Riaz, vice chairman of the National Consensus Commission, stated that work on the July Proclamation is underway and will be announced soon.
Addressing queries, Alam confirmed that Prof Yunus assured that the trial on the July uprising crimes would begin this month and be conducted swiftly while adhering to due process. He reiterated that the next polls will be held between December this year and June 30 next year, as Prof Yunus is committed to this timeline.
Alam stated that Prof Yunus would likely convey the same message to other political parties set to meet him on Sunday. He added that the political leaders expressed their confidence in Prof Yunus’s leadership, and the meetings were conducted in a friendly environment. Leaders of the NCP have also demanded local government polls.
Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Apurba Jahangir were also present at the press briefing.