Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday told former Japanese Prime Minister and Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League President Taro Aso that the country’s next national election will be held any time between December and June next year.
“Prof Yunus told Taro Aso that the election will be held between December and June. He has set a six-month time frame and the election will be conducted within that period,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
Briefing reporters after the meeting between the Chief Adviser and Taro Aso, he also said Professor Yunus will announce a specific date for the national election as soon as all preparations are complete.
Taro Aso, also a former Japanese Foreign Minister and influential lawmaker, met the Chief Adviser at the bilateral meeting room of the Imperial Hotel.
Shafiqul said the election window up to June also serves as a roadmap. “Professor Yunus has provided a special cut-off time here. He has also stated unequivocally that he will not remain in power a single day beyond June.”
The Press Secretary said the interim government is not remaining idle and is working actively on multiple fronts.
“A fragile economy has been stabilised. We are now undertaking economic, administrative and legal reforms. Work centred on the Election Commission is progressing steadily,” he said.
Regarding political reforms, he said Prof Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has already outlined areas where political parties agree and where they diverge.
Stating that the Commission will begin its second round of discussions in early June, the Press Secretary said the government hopes political parties will quickly reach a consensus on reforms. “Then, reform efforts will be accelerated by July.”
He said Professor Yunus is moving forward with three specific agendas—reform, trial (of fascist elements), and election. “He will announce a specific date for the elections once everything is ready.
In response to a question, Shafiqul said the interim government feels neither instability in its governance nor any crisis with political parties.
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“We do not perceive any political instability or governmental uncertainty. The discussions we have held with political parties are part of an ongoing dialogue. Since they are key stakeholders, we have engaged with them, and all parties have expressed confidence in Prof Yunus’ leadership,” he observed.
Earlier, the Chief Adviser, Prof Yunus, arrived in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, on Wednesday afternoon to attend the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Briefly after returning to the hotel, the Chief Adviser held a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso.
With this meeting, Prof Yunus began his Tokyo tour.
Shafiqul said the Chief Adviser informed the Japanese leader about the progress of the reform initiatives undertaken by his government.
He said Taro Aso apprised the Chief Adviser that he is aware of the outstanding changeover and the latest developments in Bangladesh.
The Press Secretary said the interim government is making efforts to build an economic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan, and during the meeting, Taro Aso stressed the importance of making it happen as early as possible.
He said the Japanese leader stated that they want to deepen their relations with Bangladesh in every aspect, from defence and other security areas to economic cooperation and bilateral friendship.
Shafiqul said the Chief Adviser stated that the interim government has undertaken three major reforms in the economic sector, reviving the banking sector, bringing stability to the foreign exchange reserve and market and repaying dues in the energy and other sectors.
With these three areas addressed, he said the Chief Adviser believes Bangladesh's economy is now in a much better shape and that the future looks promising.
Referring to the long-pending Rohingya crisis, Prof Yunus told the former Japanese Prime Minister that an angry young Rohingya generation is growing up in Bangladesh’s various camps. “We have to give them hope so that they can return to their motherland and contribute to its development.”
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He sought Japan’s support for the dignified return of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their place of origin in Rakhine.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Lutfey Siddiqi and Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed were, among others, present at the meeting.