No foreign pressure on coming polls: Foreign Adviser

Staff Reporter :

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that the interim government is committed to handing over power to the elected government promptly following the February 12 election, dismissing any claims of external pressure over the electoral process.

Hossain made these remarks during a meeting with government officials at the Munshiganj Deputy Commissioner’s conference room, where he was joined by Deputy Commissioner Syeda Nurmahal Ashrafi.
In response to concerns raised by the press about foreign influence, Hossain firmly stated that the election is being organised independently by the interim government.

“We are holding the elections ourselves. The time is short, but we will conduct the elections and hand over power to the elected government following the poll,” Hossain affirmed, adding that there is no external pressure dictating the timing or nature of the election.

Hossain also emphasised country’s positive international standing, noting that the country continues to maintain cordial relations with foreign governments while safeguarding its sovereignty.
The Foreign Adviser addressed the ongoing investigation into the murder of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was tragically killed in December.

The adviser confirmed that while progress is being made, there is no rush to compromise the judicial process.
“We are trying to bring back those involved in Hadi’s killing. However, we cannot yet say with 100% certainty where the accused are,” Hossain explained.
“We have indications that they may have crossed the border, but until we have concrete evidence of their location, we cannot make definitive statements.”
Hadi, a prospective candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming election, was shot in the head on December 12 while riding in a rickshaw in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan area.
After being airlifted to Singapore for treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on December 18. His funeral was held on December 20 beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at Dhaka University.
The police have arrested 10 individuals in connection with the murder, but the two main suspects, Faisal Karim Masud and Md Alamgir Sheikh, are believed to have fled to India.
The Bangladeshi government is actively coordinating with Indian authorities to capture and extradite the accused individuals.
“We are making every effort to ensure justice for Hadi’s family. The government is working to bring those responsible to trial, while maintaining due legal process,” Hossain assured.
Earlier in the day, Hossain participated in several events to mark the anniversary of the 2024 July Uprising and to honor the martyrs of the movement.
He laid wreaths at the July Shaheed Memorial in Munshiganj, a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the uprising.
Hossain also visited the graves of three martyrs from the movement, offering condolences and inquiring about the well-being of their families.
Syeda Nurmahol Ashrafi, the District Commissioner, and Md. Menhazul Alam, the Superintendent of Police were present on the occasion.