Staff Reporter :
Religious Affairs Adviser to the interim government, A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, stated that national elections will take place after the completion of state reforms aimed at ensuring stability in the country.
“The election will be held after bringing stability through reforms. We are not an elected government. If we announce an election in this situation, it will lead to chaos and confusion, holding back the journey toward democracy,” he said during an exchange of views with journalists at the Cox’s Bazar Circuit House conference room.
The event was presided over by Mahbubur Rahman, President of the Cox’s Bazar Press Club.
A.F.M. Khalid Hossain assured that the interim government is committed to holding elections and handing over power to the people. Addressing concerns about the government’s desire to retain power, he dismissed such claims, stating:
“Many leaders say the advisers have grown greedy for power and will not want to relinquish it. This is a misconception. We have no attachment to power. We are here temporarily, tasked with reforming the country.”
On the topic of sending pilgrims for the Hajj by ship, the adviser mentioned that the government has reached a policy decision. Discussions with Saudi Arabia and other stakeholders are ongoing, and arrangements have been made to send pilgrims by sea for Hajj in 2026.
In addition to state reforms, Khalid highlighted the government’s focus on improving law and order, creating a level playing field for political parties, and updating the voter list to ensure fair participation in the upcoming elections. He said that once these objectives are achieved, elections will be held with the participation of all political parties.
Other attendees included Abdul Hamid Jamaddar, Secretary of the Ministry of Religion; Nazim Uddin Ahmed, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar (Education and ICT); Mumtaz Uddin Bahari, General Secretary of the Press Club; and Tashdid Ur Reza, Coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement.
Responding to a query about remarks made by Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and the Army chief regarding the election timeline, Khalid Hossain clarified, “Those are not the official statements of the government.”
He emphasized that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said that when the government makes an official announcement, that is when the election will happen.
On Thursday, Asif Nazrul said the next national election could be held by 2025, after completing pre-election preparations, including the formation of a new Election Commission through a search committee. The following day, Asif Nazrul clarified on his verified Facebook page that only the Chief Adviser of the interim government has the authority to make such an announcement.
“An election is a highly important policy decision, and its timing will be determined under the leadership of the Chief Adviser. Only he has the authority to make such an announcement,” he wrote.