Dhaka: Referring to the government’s firm stance on elections, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul today reiterated the government’s commitment to holding the national election next February, aligning with the Chief Adviser’s announcement. “The government is moving forward with all preparations for the election. The polls will be held in February, and the government’s stance on this remains unwavering,” he stated following a meeting at the Cabinet Division.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Asif Nazrul emphasized that the responsibility of conducting the election lies with the government and not with any political party. He noted that comments from political parties regarding the election timing are part of the political process. “On behalf of the government, we are saying in unequivocal terms that the election will be completed in February,” he affirmed.
He further remarked that political parties often make varying statements for different purposes, which is part of the political discourse. “You have always seen this. Traditionally in Bangladesh, such political statements have been made, and the same is happening now. There has not been any major qualitative change in this discourse. Therefore, whatever is said about the timing of the election should be seen as part of the political process,” he observed.
Dr. Asif Nazrul described Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus as a “globally respected figure” and confirmed that there would be no deviation from Yunus’s commitment to holding the election as scheduled.
Additionally, Dr. Nazrul addressed issues related to land acquisition, inflated prices, and controversies in PDB projects. He highlighted the need for legal amendments based on recommendations from the ACC Reform Commission to prevent scandals, such as the notorious “pillow scandal.” An experienced consultant has been appointed to work on these amendments.
He concluded by stating that while project cost inflation for corruption falls under the jurisdiction of the Planning and Finance Ministries, the government’s focus is on tackling high-level corruption by further strengthening the Anti-Corruption Commission.