Staff Reporter :
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has expressed the possibility of holding the next parliamentary election as early as next year.
However, he emphasized that this is merely a preliminary assumption, considering the various factors and steps involved in organizing a fair election.
His remarks came during a discussion on Channel-I’s program Ajker Patrika, hosted by Manabzamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury on Thursday night.
“I think it might be possible to organize the election next year. There are many factors involved.
This is my primary assumption,” stated Nazrul. He elaborated on the complexity of the election process, highlighting the multiple steps necessary before an election can take place.
Steps Toward Organizing the Election Nazrul explained that forming a new Election Commission (EC) is crucial for the election process.
According to him, this requires the creation of a search committee, and for that, the appointment of a Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman is necessary-a step that has already been completed.
He indicated that forming the search committee is the next move, which will subsequently lead to the establishment of the Election Commission.
“The search committee will be formed soon,” Nazrul added. “Then, the Election Commission will be formed.”
He stressed that one of the primary tasks of the new Election Commission would be to update the voter list.
“A proper voter list has to be prepared,” he said, emphasizing the importance of this step to ensure a transparent and legitimate electoral process.
Criticism of the Previous Election Commission Reflecting on the need for an impartial Election Commission, Nazrul expressed his doubts about the credibility of previous commissions.
He highlighted that no one had faith in the Habibul Awal-led commission’s ability to conduct a fair election, pointing to the widespread perception of its ineffectiveness.
“I’m sure you don’t want an election to be organized by a fake election commission.
No one believed the Habibul Awal commission could hold a fair election. No one can even imagine this,” he stated.
He also alleged that the voter list was manipulated by the “fascist government” during the 2024 election to stage a favorable outcome, possibly due to concerns about the results if the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had participated.
He urged Manabzamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury to investigate the irregularities with the 2024 voter list, underscoring the need for an accurate voter registry before any upcoming elections.
