NN Online:
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday assured former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso that Bangladesh’s next national election will be held within a six-month window, between December this year and June next year.
“Professor Yunus informed Mr. Aso that the election will take place within this timeframe. He has committed to holding the polls within these six months,” said Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, while briefing reporters after the meeting.
Yunus made the assurance during a bilateral meeting with Taro Aso—also President of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League—at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
According to Shafiqul, Professor Yunus emphasized that the timeframe also represents a definitive roadmap. “He clearly stated that he will not remain in office beyond June under any circumstances,” he said.
The Press Secretary added that the interim government is actively working on several fronts. “The previously fragile economy has been stabilized. We are now engaged in economic, administrative, and legal reforms. Progress is also being made within the Election Commission,” he noted.
On the issue of political reform, Shafiqul said Professor Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has already outlined the areas of agreement and disagreement among political parties. The Commission is scheduled to begin its second phase of discussions in early June, with the hope that consensus will be reached swiftly to expedite reform initiatives by July.
He said Professor Yunus is advancing with a three-pronged agenda—reform, trial of fascist elements, and election. “A specific election date will be announced once all necessary preparations are complete,” he added.
In response to a question, Shafiqul dismissed concerns about instability, stating, “The interim government is functioning smoothly and sees no crisis in its relationship with political parties.”
