United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday conveyed the United States that Bangladesh is fully prepared for the next national election in the first half of February and the interim government is making "comprehensive preparations" to ensure a "free, fair, and peaceful" general election. "The election will be held in February. It will be free, fair and peaceful. The country is fully prepared," Prof Yunus told US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and the US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor during a meeting. Sergio Gor commended the Chief Adviser’s leadership and reiterated the United States’ willingness to support the country's efforts, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.  

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Tuesday said the national election will be held in February next as announced by the Chief Adviser. “We are determined from the government’s side. Our Sir (Chief Adviser) is a globally respected and admired person. He has announced the timeline himself and there is no question of stepping back from the announcement,” he said after a meeting at the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat. When asked about confusion over the election time as different political parties expressed different opinions, the Law Adviser said holding the election is the government’s responsibility, not the parties. Election ‘date’ within days: Asif Nazrul “The government is determined about holding the polls in February. That is what we have in mind and that is what will happen,” he said. Nazrul also said political parties often make changing statements to serve their own purposes which are part of the political process in Bangladesh. Law Ministry blamed for law and order situation just because of its name: Asif Nazrul “Traditionally, such political rhetoric has always been there in the country and it continues in the same way now. There has not been any qualitative change in it. So, the remarks from different parties about the election timing should be seen as part of the political process,” he added.